Taiwan's likely first woman president keeps cards close on China game plan

Taiwan's main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen waves to reporters after speaking during a news conference in Taipei, in this April 15, 2015 file photo. REUTERS/Pichi Chuang/Files

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan's elections are just weeks away with little clarity about how a likely win by a party that traditionally favours independence from China will go down with a neighbour that has threatened force to ensure the island never goes it alone.

Taiwan votes in a new president and parliament in January when the ruling Nationalists (KMT) are expected to be soundly beaten by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), supported by youthful voters angered by a perceived economic dependence on the mainland.