TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, on Wednesday (Jan. 3), made a fervent call for the Taiwanese populace to use their votes as a defense against what he termed as the "worst ever" Chinese interference in the upcoming elections.
Lai emphasized, "It's not the first time China has interfered with Taiwan's elections, but it's the most serious this time. The best way to crush this interference is to ensure that the person China supports does not win."
He urged citizens to stand up against the interference using the power of their ballot to help forge a path of continued progress for Taiwan, which also guarantees societal stability, economic growth, and the well-being of its people.
Positioning the DPP's battle as not just against the opposition parties but, more crucially, against the Chinese Communist Party, Lai highlighted the importance of maintaining the majority in the legislative yuan. He warned that any dispute in the legislature could potentially stall government functioning.
Earlier in the day, Lai kick-started the election campaign across 22 counties and cities, professing in front of the Taipei Arena that this election is vital for Taiwan's future and Indo-Pacific peace stability.
"I hope the people can maintain the spirit of the past, choose the right person, and follow the right path," he encouraged.
