DPP’s Lai and Hsiao photo hailed online as ’virtue’ duo

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A photograph branding the Democratic Progressive Party's presidential nominee Lai Ching-te and his running mate Hsiao Bi-khim as "Taiwan's virtue (臺灣的美德)," with a "Vote for TAIWAN" slogan at the top, has sparked attention online.

Once shared online, the photograph received praise from a multitude of online users. Comments ranged from commendations such as "Intelligent, beautiful, capable — a woman who loves Taiwan! Fantastic!" to "Unprecedented," "It is like a drama series!" and "Finally, we have a presentable pair of candidates!"

The original photo was posted on Lai's Facebook on Monday, with the two standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, during Lai's U.S. visit with President Tsai Ing-wen in Feb. 2020.

Following Lai's announcement on Monday designating Hsiao as his vice-presidential pick, they were registered with the Central Election Commission the following day, becoming the first officially confirmed presidential team for the 2024 elections.