President-elect Lai clarifies Rolex watch allegations

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President-elect and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairman Lai Ching-te on Wednesday (April 24) dismissed allegations of failing to declare his Rolex watches, stating that he owns two, each worth around NT$100,000, and thus, there was no need for declaration.

The Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin previously raised doubts about Lai owning three Rolex watches, potentially worth up to NT$1.3 million, none of which were declared in his assets.

Addressing the issue at a DPP meeting, Lai clarified that his first watch was a gift from his mother, worth only a few hundred dollars. His cousin gifted him a Rolex when he was elected as a national representative, which he has since lost. The other Rolex, his third watch, was purchased during a trip to Japan.

Each Rolex, Lai reiterated, was worth around NT$100,000, negating the need for asset declaration.

The KMT has been consistently attacking Lai's hometown ahead of the elections. Recently, they shifted their focus to Lai's watches after the DPP criticized Hsu for her expensive attire.