As Taiwan gears up for its regional “nine-in-one” elections, which will select candidates for a slew of municipal and local offices, many campaigns have focused on local issues. However, interested observers will endeavor to draw larger implications for the 2016 presidential and legislative elections.

The 30-year anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act coincides with a period of relative calm in cross-straits relations, and comes at a time when the U.S. is reassessing its policy towards Taiwan.