TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te's campaign spokesperson, Tai Wei-shan, neither confirmed nor denied on Friday (Nov. 3) the possibility of Hsiao Bi-khim joining Lai's campaign as his running mate.
Hsiao, Taiwan's envoy to the United States, is expected to return home after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, which concludes on Nov. 17. Speculation is rife that she may join the campaign trail for the DPP's legislative candidates, possibly as running mate to Lai.
Speaking to reporters earlier that day, Tai emphasized that the DPP's top priority is to announce the party list for legislators-at-large before revealing the name of his vice presidential pick, echoing Lai's statement from the previous day.
Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, during a Thursday interview, acknowledged Hsiao's strong diplomatic leadership qualities, suggesting that her inclusion would be advantageous for Lai's campaign.
If Hsiao returns to Taiwan, her arrival would coincide with the presidential election registration deadline, adding to the speculation surrounding her potential role.
According to reports, the DPP is scheduled to finalize its legislator-at-large candidate list during the Central Executive Committee meeting on Nov. 15.