HSINCHU (TVBS News) — President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday (Dec. 18) promoted Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential and vice presidential candidates Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim as the executors and participants of her diplomatic and defense policy, dubbed the "Tsai Ing-wen approach," characterized by stability, robustness, and trustworthiness.
During a campaign event at the Neitianhou Temple in Hsinchu County, Tsai endorsed DPP Legislative Yuan candidates Chan Chi-ti and Tseng Sheng-kai. She also hinted at a potential return to teaching after her presidential term ends.
In her speech, Tsai highlighted past projects that ensured the high-tech industry in Hsinchu remained unaffected during droughts. The government's investment of NT$2.9 billion in the project that connected Shihmen Reservoir to Hsinchu through a pipeline in 2021 was emphasized.
Tsai has been an instrumental figure in the infrastructure upgrades, attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the pipeline project.
With a total cost of NT$10 billion, including subsidiary projects, this effort was part of the "Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program," which has a massive NT$840 billion budget. Despite opposition obstruction in the Legislative Yuan, the plan was passed with the support of the DPP's majority.
The Executive Yuan is set to approve funding exceeding NT$100 billion for infrastructure projects, extending the Wugu-Yangmei Elevated Road to Hsinchu and Toufen, as well as creating underground railways in Taoyuan.
The president stressed the importance of retaining a parliamentary majority and encouraged public support for the DPP's legislative nominees.