Slate of elections will multiply uncertainties

BEIJING - A wave of elections in the world next year will present challenges to Chinese diplomacy, for the candidates in some countries and regions will play the China card to win votes, experts said.

The Year of the Dragon will see major powers such as the United States, Russia, France and the Republic of Korea (ROK) all holding presidential elections.

Japan might change its prime minister, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will also go forward with its gradual leadership reshuffling, and China's Taiwan will elect a new leader.