TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) candidate in the presidential election, Ko Wen-je, expressed his commitment to facilitating transparent communication among the United States, China, and Taiwan on Friday (May 26).
Following the official launch of his presidential campaign, Ko held a press conference earlier that day to unveil the NT$13.6 million received in donations from reporters as of Tuesday.
In response to recent remarks suggesting that Beijing may prefer him as a presidential nominee in Taiwan's upcoming election, Ko asserted his ability to engage with both China and the U.S., emphasizing the importance of communication in maintaining a balance among these major political powers.
"Having open dialogues," Ko stressed, "is an option as long as we are clear about each other's boundaries," further emphasizing his consistent approach towards both nations.
During a forum on the future of Taiwan, organized by the Brookings Institution in Washington on May 25, Bonnie Glaser, managing director of GMF's Indo-Pacific program, noted that Beijing is more acquainted with Ko compared to New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih or Vice President William Lai.
Bonnie remarked that China might find Ko more amenable among the 2024 presidential candidates in Taiwan, as he had engaged in numerous collaborative activities with the Chinese government during his tenure as Taipei Mayor.
