Taiwan’s presidential elections, the ruling party’s candidates emphasize maintaining the status quo, also engaging in dialogue with China | Reuters

On January 9, in Taiwan, where presidential elections will be held on the 13th, candidate Lai Ching-toku (pictured left) of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DP) held a press conference, stating that if elected, maintain the status quo and uphold the principles of equality and dignity and underlined that it will take a positive stance towards engaging with China within the framework of The press conference was also attended by the ruling party’s vice presidential candidate, Xiao Mikoto (pictured at right). Photo taken in Taipei, Taiwan (2024 Reuters/Carlos Garcia Rawlins)

[台北 ９日 ロイター] – On the 9th in Taiwan, ahead of the presidential elections on the 13th, candidate Lai Ching-de of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DP) held a press conference, stating that if elected, he will maintain the status quo and agree to cooperate with China according to the principles of equality and dignity and stressed that it will take a positive stance towards involvement. The ruling party’s vice presidential candidate, Xiao Mikoto, also attended the press conference.

China has repeatedly claimed that Taiwan is its territory. Lai expressed his intention to continue engaging with China, stating that dialogue reduces risks and that peaceful development is in the best interests of both sides, stating: “Peace is irreplaceable and there are no winners in war” . However, he also stated, “Accepting China’s unified proposal is not real peace,” and argued that “peace without sovereignty is the same as Hong Kong. It is a false peace.”

Both the Democratic Progressive Party and the main opposition party, the China-aligned Kuomintang, agree that Taiwan’s future will be decided by the Taiwanese people, but the Kuomintang strongly opposes Taiwan’s independence.

Mr. Lai also underlined his intention to continue the political direction of current President Tsai Ing-wen.

If elected, he said he would continue to strengthen defense deterrence amid geopolitical tensions, saying: “The pursuit of peace depends on[nostre]forces, not by the good will of an attacker.”

He said this election would be a “test of our commitment to democracy.” However, he said China’s election interference was the “most serious” yet.

Vice Presidential Candidate Hsiao said at a press conference that, in the context of global economic restructuring, Taiwan must maintain its competitiveness and important position in the supply chain. We have to integrate with the world.”

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Sarah Wu is a Taiwan correspondent based in Taipei, reporting on technology and politics. Previously, you covered politics and general news in Hong Kong. Born in Fujian, she grew up in Ontario and graduated from Harvard.

2024-01-09 05:53:24
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