TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Hsiao Bi-khim, upon accepting the position of running mate to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, stressed on Monday (Nov. 20) her commitment to confronting Taiwan's challenges head-on. "I am Hsiao Bi-khim, and I am back. I bear an inescapable responsibility to stand for Taiwan and will do everything for our nation," she stated emphatically.
In her address, Hsiao highlighted her role in the U.S. as pivotal in sustaining and enhancing the Taiwan-U.S. relationship, a responsibility assigned to her by President Tsai Ing-wen. Though her tenure as the U.S. representative, lasting over three years, was impactful, Hsiao admitted that the choice to re-enter Taiwanese politics was a challenging one, torn between staying in a familiar role or venturing into new political opportunities.
Hsiao assured that she would strive for balance amid complex global circumstances and support Taiwan's active global engagement. She underlined the importance of Taiwan maintaining its democratic values, not just for itself but for the world, acknowledging these challenges as the reason she "can no longer step aside."
Resigning from her role as the U.S. representative to pursue election candidacy, Hsiao presented her political credentials to President Tsai and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. "I will utilize the experience from my past roles to do more for Taiwan and go further for our people," Hsiao affirmed.