<prompt> Translate the following text to SwahiliHard-liners, suspicious of U.S. ideological influence, asserted themselves in March 1996, when missile tests in the Straits of Taiwan were timed to intimidate Taiwans politicians and electorate as the country held its first direct elections to the presidency.  <response>: Waasi wa siasa kali, waliotilia shaka ushawishi wa Marekani, walijitokeza mnamo Machi 1996, wakati majaribio ya makombora katika Mlango-Bahari wa Taiwan yalipangwa kuogopesha wanasiasa na wapiga kura wa Taiwan wakati nchi hiyo ilipofanya uchaguzi wake wa kwanza wa moja kwa moja wa urais. 