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DPP candidate Lai Ching-te rallies voters in Taipei
DPP candidate Lai Ching-te campaigned at a traffic intersection in Taipei, echoing President Tsai Ing-wen’s previous bid in the same location. The DPP has launched a nationwide campaign to solicit votes at over 1,000 intersections across Taiwan. Lai has called on citizens to vote for the DPP at 22 municipalities and 817 traffic intersections. He emphasized the importance of having a majority in the legislative yuan to ensure the smooth advancement of Taiwan. Lai and his vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim are positioned as candidates who can continue Tsai Ing-wen’s political course and guide Taiwan forward.
2024/01/03 14:21
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Tsai Ing-wen passes the baton in symbolic campaign ad
The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) campaign office released a campaign video titled "Together, On the Road," featuring President Tsai Ing-wen passing the reigns to presidential and vice-presidential candidates Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim. Directed by Lo Ging-zim, the video utilizes advanced virtual studio technology to depict Tsai and Lai driving through Taiwan’s streets and alleys. Symbolically, Tsai hands over the car keys to Lai, signifying the transition of power, while Hsiao Bi-khim joins them in the passenger seat, representing their shared commitment to Taiwan’s democracy and freedom. All three individuals have been members of the DPP’s administrative team during their eight years in power, holding various posts and working tirelessly for Taiwan’s advancement.
2024/01/03 11:00
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DPP’s Hsiao Bi-khim champions educational equity in Taiwan
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim attended an educational discussion in Taipei, where she shared plans for the National Project of Hope. The project aims to address issues of ’inverse distribution’ in education, particularly the financial burden on underprivileged children attending private universities. Hsiao emphasized the importance of nurturing global citizenry among children and connecting them to the world through digital tools. She also stressed the need for a friendly learning environment, anti-bullying initiatives, drug education, gender equality teachings, and addressing security concerns within campuses. Hsiao proposed creating a friendly environment for socio-economically disadvantaged students, reflecting Taiwan’s diversity and inclusivity. She called for the elevation of the quality of special education, advancement of higher education and vocational development, and a change in public perception about it. Hsiao suggested that private universities provide tuition assistance to alleviate the financial burden on poorer students. In terms of foreign affairs, she highlighted her efforts to sign an educational Memorandum of Understanding while stationed in the U.S., offering scholarship opportunities and encouraging Americans to learn Mandarin and visit Taiwan for Taiwan’s global integration.
2024/01/03 10:54
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Cynthia Wu dismisses challenges in debate performance
Taipei’s 2024 vice presidential debate concluded with Taiwan’s People Party (TPP) candidate Cynthia Wu claiming that she successfully addressed all topics discussed during the heated exchange. However, Wu expressed feeling overlooked by her opponents, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Hsiao Bi-khim and Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Jaw Shaw-kong, as Jaw did not include her in two of his inquiries. Despite receiving a 7 percent rating for her performance, Wu dismissed it and criticized her fellow candidates for not adequately addressing her repeated questions on pension issues. She emphasized the TPP’s commitment to realistic and practical national policies, urging the public to impartially assess their achievable initiatives.
2024/01/02 16:22
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VP hopefuls play key roles in Taiwan’s upcoming election
Discover how Taiwan’s vice presidential candidates, including Hsiao Bi-khim and Jaw Shaw-kong, are making unprecedented waves in the current elections. Explore their influence on Taiwanese politics and the potential shift in the presidential race.
2024/01/02 16:05
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DPP’s Lai-Hsiao lead KMT rivals in latest Taiwan polls
The United Daily News pre-closure poll shows that Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim, the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential and vice-presidential candidates, maintain a 5-percentage-point lead over their Kuomintang (KMT) rivals, Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong. The Lai-Hsiao ticket received 32% support, while the Hou-Jaw ticket received 27%, a decrease of four percentage points from previous polls. Ko Wen-je and Cynthia Wu, the Taiwan People’s Party’s (TPP) presidential and vice-presidential candidates, trailed with 21% support. Among different age groups, the Ko-Wu ticket led among voters aged 20 to 39 with a 42% support rate. Among 40-59 year-olds, the Hou-Jaw ticket led by 1%, and among voters over 60, the Hou-Jaw ticket polled at 37%, while the Lai-Hsiao ticket polled at 35%. The survey was conducted from Dec. 26-30, 2023, with a sample size of 1,215 adults. The sampling error is within plus or minus 2.8 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The survey used a dual telephone register for random sampling, including landline and mobile phones, with weighting by gender, age, and population structure. The funding for the survey came from United Daily News.
2024/01/02 15:45
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Lai Ching-te slams KMT’s outdated policies in 2024 debate
In this story, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential nominee Lai Ching-te criticizes the outdated policy views of Kuomintang’s (KMT) presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, during a presidential debate. Lai emphasizes the need for abandoning outdated policies and upgrading past efforts to comprehend and master the rapidly changing world. He outlines his policy principles, including boosting national projects, enhancing defense, economic and democratic ties, and maintaining dignified, equal cooperation with China. Lai believes that the 2024 presidential election will determine whether Taiwan aligns with democracies or authoritarian entities, and he highlights that voting for him and his running mate Hsiao Bi-khim is the only option to continue collaborating with democratic allies.
2023/12/30 19:17
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DPP launches viral ’2 Steps in 6 Strides’ challenge
Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party’s presidential candidate, and his running mate Hsiao Bi-khim have launched a social media campaign urging supporters to film themselves taking ’2 steps in 6 strides.’ The campaign aims to rally support and votes for the DPP ticket (represented by the number 2) and for the DPP (represented by the number 6) in the upcoming elections. Lai incorporated the lyrics from his new campaign ad in a promotional video, encouraging supporters to respond by recording and posting their own ’2 steps in 6 strides’ walk on social media. Supporters are to tag the official accounts of Lai and Hsiao on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, using the hashtag "#113StandUpTaiwan" for a chance to be re-posted, thus aligning themselves with other supporters. This social media event, titled ’Walking the Right Path,’ aims to attract more supporters in the final stage of their campaign and drive voter turnout.
2023/12/30 16:10
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President Tsai Ing-wen defends political approach
President Tsai Ing-wen, at Zhonghe’s Haishan Palace, praised the adoption of her political approach by opposition parties and emphasized the suitability of DPP candidates Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim for implementing her policies. She highlighted Taiwan’s significant export growth and infrastructure investment, and responded to opposition criticism on spending, ahead of the Jan. 13 elections.
2023/12/28 19:56
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Lai-Hsiao ticket leads in latest 2024 presidential polls
According to a recent poll conducted by ETtoday, the "Lai-Hsiao" (Lai Ching-te, Hsiao Bi-khim) ticket of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is leading in Taiwan’s presidential election in 2024 with 38.1% of voter support. The "Hou-Jaw" (Hou Yu-ih) ticket of the Kuomintang (KMT) follows closely behind with 34.8%, while the "Ko-Wu" (Ko Wen-je, Cynthia Wu) ticket of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) stands at 19.2%. The approval rating for the Lai-Hsiao ticket has increased by 1.9 percentage points since the last poll, while the Hou-Jaw ticket has remained constant, and the Ko-Wu ticket has experienced a slight decrease of 1.5 points. As a result, the gap between Lai and Hou has grown from 1.4 to 3.3 points. In terms of demographics, Lai is leading in Taiwan’s southern regions and among people aged 40-49, with respective approval ratings of 49.7% and 38.1%. Hou, on the other hand, is leading in the north, outlying eastern islands, and among those aged 60 and older, with approval ratings at 38.6%, 42.5%, and 52.7%, respectively. Ko is leading among younger voters aged 20-39. Lai’s support has seen a significant increase of 15.9 points among voters aged 50-59, indicating improvement in a previously weaker demographic. However, Lai’s support has decreased by 20 points among DPP supporters. In contrast, Hou’s support has remained steady, and Ko’s approval has surged by 10.6 points among pan-DPP supporters. The poll was conducted on December 25-26, surveying Taiwanese aged 20 and older about the 2024 presidential elections. The sample size was 1,618, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.44% and a confidence level of 95%.
2023/12/27 14:33
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Hsiao Bi-khim reassures students on Taiwan-U.S. relations
DPP vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim reassures students in Hsinchu City that protecting Taiwan’s democratic freedom is in the mutual interest of Taiwan and the United States. She addresses concerns about the history of Chiang Kai-shek’s pro-American stance and Donald Trump’s seemingly unfriendly attitude toward Taiwan. Hsiao emphasizes the importance of promoting Taiwan-U.S. relations with Taiwan at the heart of the process, identifying mutual benefits to strengthen Taiwan. She states that her approach in Washington would not interfere with or comment on the competition between U.S. parties, but rather focus on maintaining Taiwanese interests. Hsiao acknowledges that while Trump may use certain political language, as long as cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. continues and Taiwanese interests are protected, it would be sufficient. The discussion also touches on concerns about subsidies for private high schools, with Hsiao emphasizing the importance of educational equity and Lai Ching-te’s intention to work towards making senior high school education free.
2023/12/26 20:20
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Lai Ching-te pledges unity, safety in presidential bid
DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te has proposed a comprehensive national vision, emphasizing unity, safety, and cross-strait cooperation based on mutual respect if elected. Lai aims to establish a transparent government by combating corruption, including illegal drugs and arms dealing, fraud, and embezzlement. He also plans to boost Taiwan’s economy by supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises in high-tech industries. Lai is committed to education equity, with plans to waive high school and vocational school fees and provide financial aid to private university students. He also pledges to improve long-term care facilities and services through the implementation of Long-term Care 3.0. Lai and his running mate, Hsiao Bi-khim, are dedicated to caring for the people, protecting Taiwan’s security, and advancing its development.
2023/12/26 20:06
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DPP’s Hsiao returns to hometown, vows to serve Taiwan
DPP vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim returned to her hometown, Changhua County’s Hemei Township, and expressed her commitment to contribute to Taiwan. She met her relatives from the Xiao clan and was warmly welcomed by the locals. Hsiao’s father also hailed from Hemei Township and returned to Taiwan after obtaining his doctorate to serve the country. Hsiao feels a strong connection to the local people and sees it as her destiny to serve Taiwan. Her mission is to strengthen the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the United States. Hsiao thanked the Xiao clan for their unwavering support and encouraged locals to support DPP legislative candidates. She expressed confidence in the DPP’s ability to secure the Taiwanese vote and promised to do more for Taiwan after the election.
2023/12/26 14:05
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Taiwan can win international trust, says DPP’s Hsiao
DPP vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim expressed confidence in Taiwan’s ability to gain international trust and recognition despite global pressures. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a diplomatic balance, using the analogy of a cat’s sense of balance. Hsiao also highlighted the need for a fair and balanced Taiwan-U.S. trade relationship. She believes that promoting mutual benefits between Taiwan and the U.S., including in areas of national security and economics, will safeguard Taiwan’s democratic freedoms. Hsiao acknowledged the differences between Taiwan and Israel but suggested that Taiwan could learn from Israel’s innovations in military training. She also emphasized the extension of compulsory military service in Taiwan to ensure peace and build strength.
2023/12/26 11:39
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Taiwan can learn from Israel’s military training: Hsiao
DPP vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim praised Israel’s military service training and suggested that Taiwan could learn from their use of dual-use technology. Hsiao acknowledged the differences between the two countries in terms of military obligations and defense budgets. She emphasized the need for Taiwan to find its own path while learning from different countries, considering its unique historical and geopolitical context. Hsiao also advocated for extending Taiwan’s current four-month military service training period to a year, as many other nations do. She proposed that Taiwan could adopt advanced dual-use technology from other countries to provide servicemen with valuable skills and enhance their contributions to national defense.
2023/12/26 11:27
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DPP’s Hsiao: TSMC US factory due to client demand
DPP vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim visited Hsinchu on Dec. 25, emphasizing that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) decision to establish a factory in the United States was driven by client demand rather than government influence. Hsiao refrained from commenting on TSMC’s internal affairs but acknowledged the company’s understanding of its customers’ need for a U.S. factory. As someone with a strong American background, Hsiao mentioned her American friends’ interest in TSMC’s investments in the U.S. She also highlighted the increased attention Taiwan has received globally and the influx of visitors, some specifically requesting to visit Hsinchu and TSMC. Hsiao took the opportunity to engage with the youth and gain more recognition among them.
2023/12/26 10:08
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Hou Yu-ih pledges to reinstate Constitution Day if elected
Presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih pledges to reinstate Constitution Day as a public holiday in Taiwan if elected. He argues that the Constitution carries the founding spirit of the Republic of China (ROC) and forms the foundation of the rule of law. Hou criticizes his rival, Lai Ching-te, for suggesting that the ROC constitution hinders Taiwan’s unity, calling it a myth. He also accuses Lai of attempting to erase the spirit of the nation’s founding and the rule of law by cutting Constitution Day and other public holidays. Hou promises to protect the spirit of the country and uphold workers’ rights by restoring Constitution Day as a public holiday.
2023/12/25 18:54
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Lai Ching-te leading in polls, Hou Yu-ih close behind
The latest poll from My-formosa.com shows that Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te has a narrow lead over Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih in the 2024 presidential election. Lai and his running mate Hsiao Bi-khim received 37.5% support, while Hou and his running mate Jaw Shaw-kong received 32.6% support. Taiwan People’s Party’s (TPP) Ko Wen-je and his running mate Cynthia Wu received 16.3% support. The poll results indicate a 4.9 percentage point difference between Lai and Hou, and a 16.3 percentage point gap between Hou and Ko. Lai’s counterattack after the scandal involving his family’s property in Wanli may have contributed to the slight decrease in support for Hou and Ko. The poll was conducted through telephone interviews using the Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) method, covering all 22 municipalities in Taiwan. A total of 1,470 individuals aged over 20 were interviewed, with a maximum margin of error of ±2.6% at a 95% confidence level.
2023/12/25 18:48
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Ko slams DPP for inaction despite claims of self-reflection
Taipei mayoral candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for their lack of action despite claiming self-reflection during a morning canvassing walk. Ko’s comments were in response to remarks made by DPP vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim during a Central Election Committee (CEC) policy presentation. Hsiao had acknowledged that some DPP members had made errors and forgotten their original intentions, which the DPP government must bear. Ko clarified that while Hsiao suggested that the DPP is already implementing his policies, the crucial difference is that the DPP talks without acting, whereas the TPP takes action. Ko also evaluated his running mate Cynthia Wu’s performance, deeming her steady, and emphasized that the TPP is committed to serious policy discussions rather than treating presentations as mere call-in shows to fill time.
2023/12/23 11:06
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DPP’s Hsiao promises review amidst KMT’s corruption claims
Vice Presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vows to review and reflect on corruption allegations within the DPP government. This comes after her opponent, Kuomintang’s (KMT) Jaw Shaw-kong, accused the DPP of corruption during a policy presentation. Jaw raised concerns about the DPP obstructing Terry Gou’s acquisition of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines and questioned the increase in the market value of Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp. He advocated for the reinstatement of the Special Investigation Division to tackle corruption. Hsiao acknowledges mistakes within the party and emphasizes the need for self-review. She highlights the DPP’s commitment to reform and progressive policies, citing examples of marriage equality and energy transformation. Hsiao compares the government to a team in an international competition, emphasizing the importance of guidance and support for a unified nation.
2023/12/23 09:55
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Hsiao Bi-khim stresses strength for Taiwan’s status quo
DPP vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim emphasized the importance of strength in maintaining Taiwan’s status quo and preventing bullying. She highlighted the current state and prospects of U.S.-Taiwan relations, noting that U.S. policy has consistently supported maintaining the status quo and opposing the use of force. Hsiao mentioned that under Xi Jinping’s leadership, the U.S. has shifted to view China competitively but does not seek a new Cold War. She emphasized critical issues of peace, security, and economic cooperation in Taiwan-U.S. ties, including the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. Hsiao underscored Taiwan’s determination to defend itself, citing the national defense budget and military modernization reforms. She referred to herself as a "cat warrior" and advocated for government reform and a balanced international stance. Hsiao urged that Taiwan not become a divisive issue between American political parties and emphasized the need for a proper balance amidst U.S.-China competition to ensure Taiwan’s safe and steady progression.
2023/12/20 21:21
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Cynthia Wu likens campaign to surfing amid election race
Taipei People’s Party (TPP) Vice Presidential candidate Cynthia Wu demonstrates her resilience on the campaign trail, drawing an analogy between her strategy and a surfer preparing for a big wave. Wu emphasizes her commitment to environmental efforts after attending a COP28 seminar. When asked about competing with Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Hsiao Bi-khim, Wu compares herself to a "standing cat," highlighting her agility and readiness to face challenges head-on. She likens her entry into politics to surfing, stating that she chooses to bravely confront the big wave rather than run away, symbolizing her confrontational approach to the election campaign.
2023/12/20 21:09
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DPP unveils 3-part strategy for Lai’s 2024 presidential bid
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has unveiled a three-part "winning formula" for their presidential candidate Lai Ching-te and running mate Hsiao Bi-khim. The strategy aims to rally support across Taiwan leading up to the 2024 elections through a series of events and initiatives. The first element, "Round-Island Puzzle," involves visits to various counties and cities to discuss future development plans. The campaign will then intensify with the "Stand at Crossroads & Rally Nights," featuring large-scale rallies in multiple locations. The final phase, the "Nationwide Tour," will see Lai and Hsiao taking separate routes across the island to drum up last-minute support.
2023/12/20 20:13
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Taiwan presidential race tightens: DPP slightly leads KMT
The latest survey results reveal a close presidential race in Taiwan, with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidates Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim leading with 35.9 percent support, followed closely by the Kuomintang (KMT) ticket of Hou Yu-ih for president and Jaw Shaw-kong for vice president with 34.7 percent. The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je and running mate Cynthia Wu are in third place with 19.6 percent support. Notably, the TPP’s Ko-Wu ticket has garnered 26.3 percent support from centrist voters, surpassing both the KMT and DPP. While 44.3 percent of respondents believe the DPP candidates are likely to win the 2024 Presidential and Vice Presidential elections, 30.1 percent support the KMT, and 13.8 percent favor the TPP candidates. However, the poll also highlights significant opposition, with 40.5 percent of respondents indicating they would not vote for the DPP ticket, followed by 27.3 percent against the KMT and 20.6 percent not favoring the TPP. The survey, sponsored by ETtoday, was conducted from December 18-19 and gathered a valid sample size of 1,224 Taiwanese adults over the age of 20 using mobile text notifications and closed internet questionnaires. The poll has an error margin of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.
2023/12/20 19:20
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Tsai backs Lai-Hsiao duo for Taiwan’s steady future
President Tsai Ing-wen emphasizes the need for a stable government in the face of future challenges in Taiwan. She expresses her hopes to entrust the nation to reliable individuals during her visit to Hsien Heng Temple. Tsai highlights the experience and comprehensive backgrounds of the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim. Reflecting on her own tenure, Tsai acknowledges the public support that has strengthened Taiwan’s economy. She discusses global events such as the pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia war, and Taiwan’s drought, noting Taiwan’s resilience and growing international support. Tsai emphasizes the importance of maintaining a parliamentary majority and urges the public to support the Lai-Hsiao ticket and cast their party votes for the DPP for a brighter future for Taiwan.
2023/12/20 18:43