Washington’s relationship with Beijing will face its biggest test since the leaders of the two countries met in November, as the United States seeks to keep the Taiwan Straits calm after Taiwanese voters select a new president this weekend. At stake is the peace and stability of the strip of water between the Chinese mainland and the self-governed island. Any armed conflict could put Washington head-to-head against Beijing and disrupt the global economy. China fears that a victory in Saturday's election by the front-runner would be a step toward independence and has suggested to Taiwan voters that they could be choosing between peace and war.
