Beijing and Washington got the result they actively sought in Taiwan’s election: a second four-year term for President Ma Ying-jeou and the defeat of Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party. China and the United States—as well as Taiwan—must now live with the consequences of that outside intervention in Taiwan’s democratic politics.

China wanted Ma’s reelection because he has been relatively acquiescent to its demands. He agreed to trade and commercial measures that foster Sino-Taiwanese economic integration and, potentially, political unification. Conversely, Beijing warned Taiwan’s voters that a Tsai victory would endanger cross-Strait relations and risk renewed confrontation with China.