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Jaw Shaw-kong urges China for peace ahead of elections
Kuomintang (KMT) vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong has called on China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to demonstrate goodwill ahead of Taiwan’s elections. He urged them to refrain from sending military aircraft across the median line of the Taiwan Strait, advocating for peace in the region. Jaw’s plea comes after a Newsweek report revealed that 1,709 Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone in 2023, representing a 76% increase from the previous year. Although the number decreased to 80 in December, military aircraft continued to intrude in 2024. Jaw specifically named the TAO in his message, asking them to relay it to the PLA. The persistent disruptions by China with military aircraft, ships, and floating balloons have heightened tensions as Taiwan’s final presidential election of 2024 approaches, affecting both the electorate and candidates and reflecting the complex dynamics of cross-strait relations and the election.
2024/01/07 15:59
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KMT rallies in Taoyuan, urges strategic voting against TPP
KMT presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Hou Yu-íh and Jaw Shaw-kong, held a ’Victory Solidarity Rally’ in Taoyuan, urging voters to reject TPP candidate Ko Wen-je for strategic voting. The event drew nearly 100,000 attendees. Former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu criticized Ko as an ’air gun’ and emphasized the importance of victory. Han also condemned DPP candidates Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim, claiming Lai had no qualification to run for the R.O.C.’s presidency. Han questioned how Lai, a miner’s child, could become Vice President without the protection of the ROC.
2024/01/07 11:31
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Jaw Shaw-kong takes unique stance to win over young voters
Kuomintang vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong, in a recent university Q&A session, stressed his individual stance separate from the KMT, aiming to attract young voters and promote reform within the party as Taiwan’s elections approach.
2024/01/06 17:12
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Ko Wen-je slams KMT for shady tactics in Taiwan elections
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je criticizes the Kuomintang (KMT) for engaging in power politics and diverting attention from their own shortcomings. Ko questions the credibility of KMT’s vice-presidential candidate, Jaw Shaw-kong, who expressed intentions to discuss potential premier candidates with Ko and Foxconn founder Terry Gou if elected. Ko believes Jaw’s remarks disqualify him as a competent candidate.
2024/01/04 15:12
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Cynthia Wu sheds ’Princess’ label, eyes Taiwan’s work reform
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) vice-presidential candidate Cynthia Wu aims to tackle societal issues and improve Taiwan’s working environment. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Wu characterizes the cooperation between Kuomintang (KMT) and China as too close, while the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is overly confrontational. She believes the "1992 consensus" needs updating and suggests that China propose a new treaty to foster dialogue. Wu acknowledges her privileged background and welcomes the nickname "Princess" given by the media. She emphasizes her attention to economically vulnerable populations, drawing on her work experience in London and business travels in Asia, Brazil, India, and Kenya. Wu was chosen as the primary election partner by party chairperson Ko Wen-je for her business background and international investment experience.
2024/01/04 14:57
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KMT’s Jaw Shaw-kong equates Lai Ching-te with war
KMT vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong declared during a livestream interview that Lai Ching-te, Taiwanese independence, and war are synonymous, describing them as the "trinity." He criticized Beijing’s imprisonment of Hong Kong merchant Jimmy Lai and accused the DPP of advocating for a cabinet system when out of power but refusing to do so in office. Jaw Shaw-kong vowed to implement reforms if elected and reaffirmed the KMT’s stance on abolishing the death penalty. He mentioned former President Chen Shui-bian and firmly stated that even if Lai Ching-te were elected, Chen would not be granted special amnesty. Jaw Shaw-kong accused the DPP of being a "democratic dictatorship" and warned that Lai Ching-te’s election would bring uncertainty to Taiwan’s future.
2024/01/04 14:50
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Ko boasts of ’intellectual supporters’ at Taoyuan rally
Taiwan People’s Party presidential candidate Ko Wen-je attended a campaign rally in Taoyuan, where he praised his supporters for their spontaneity and described them as "highly intellectual." Ko criticized the Kuomintang (KMT) for organizing a rally in New Taipei City, accusing them of mobilizing over 2,000 tour buses for the event. Despite not spending as much as the KMT or the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Ko stated that the TPP continues to attract supporters whom he believes are "intellects." During the rally, Ko took photos with the public at the Zhongli Night Market, setting a three-second limit per photo group. The TPP’s vice presidential candidate, Cynthia Wu, simultaneously held a rally in Pingtung as part of a strategy to coordinate efforts in both the north and south of Taiwan.
2024/01/04 14:34
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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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KMT candidate challenges Tsai’s stance on "One China" policy
Kuomintang (KMT) vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong criticizes President Tsai Ing-wen’s acceptance of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s statements, arguing that the "One China" concept in the 1992 Consensus refers to the Republic of China and not the People’s Republic of China. Jaw emphasizes that "One China" is the Republic of China, which predates the People’s Republic of China by 38 years and highlights its status as Asia’s first democratic republic. He rebuts claims that the KMT’s agreement to the 1992 Consensus poses dangers to Taiwan, stating that the consensus is meant to end the argument and focus on individual duties. Jaw also argues that Tsai’s actions depict a pro-independence stance, despite her verbal denial.
2024/01/02 14:12
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MOEA counters Jaw’s remarks amidst Taiwan’s investment surge
KMT vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong claimed that he invited Taylor Swift to perform in Taiwan in 2023, but she declined due to concerns over the island’s geopolitical risks. Jaw warned that without a peaceful environment, investors would be discouraged from investing in Taiwan, potentially hindering the modernization and progress of businesses. He criticized the DPP for escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait and believed that the U.S.’s harsh rhetoric and threats could deter potential investors. However, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs disputed these claims, stating that foreign investment in Taiwan reached US$10.7 billion by November 2023, the second-highest rate in 15 years. The MOEA emphasized that "war risk" did not deter foreign capital, citing major semiconductor companies and AI companies that have recently invested significantly in Taiwan. With the general elections approaching, the MOEA urged Jaw not to damage Taiwan’s reputation for political gain.
2024/01/02 12:32
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Eric Chu accuses DPP of smear tactics in Taiwan elections
Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu accuses the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of smearing and attacking the presidential election through nationwide advertising campaigns. The KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong are losing swing voters, according to a public opinion poll published by the United Daily News. Chu criticizes the DPP for targeting Hou by drawing attention to the dormitory at Taipei’s Chinese Culture University (CCU), owned by Hou’s wife. He warns that if such smear tactics go unchecked, Taiwan risks becoming a society dominated by smear campaigns. Internal party polls show that the KMT’s support rates are within the margin of error compared to the DPP’s, leading by one percentage point in landline-based surveys. Taiwan’s 2024 presidential and legislative elections are due to take place next Saturday, and Chu emphasizes that the KMT will work harder despite alleged underhanded tactics and continuous smearing efforts by the DPP.
2024/01/02 09:55
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KMT’s Jaw reasserts anti-communist stance amid criticism
Jaw Shaw-kong, the vice presidential candidate for the Kuomintang (KMT) party, reaffirmed his party’s anti-communist stance in response to criticism from Lai Ching-te, the presidential candidate for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Jaw highlighted his past support for the Tiananmen Square protests and the Hong Kong democracy movement to counter Lai’s accusations. During a policy presentation event, the presidential candidates from the KMT, DPP, and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) debated their platforms, with Lai accusing the KMT of leaning towards communism. Jaw refuted this claim, emphasizing his party’s opposition to communism. He emphasized that Taiwan’s defensive strength lies in its democratic system rather than military might. If elected, Jaw and KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih would not push for reunification negotiations with China, as the current conditions do not meet the prerequisites for such discussions. Instead, Jaw expressed a focus on creating a future where both sides of the Taiwan Strait can develop independently under their respective systems.
2023/12/27 09:40
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Verbal gaffes continue for KMT’s VP candidate Jaw Shaw-kong
During a campaign event in New Taipei City, Kuomintang (KMT) vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong mistakenly referred to the election day on Jan. 13 as ’Jan. 15.’ He quickly corrected himself, stating that they would be a president-elect on Jan. 15 next year, which received enthusiastic applause from supporters. This is not the first verbal gaffe from Jaw, as he has made other slips of the tongue recently. He called out the rival Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te instead of his own party’s presidential hopeful Hou Yu-ih during a policy presentation by the Central Election Committee (CEC). Furthermore, he referred to former KMT chairman Johnny Chiang as a ’terrorist of peace for Taiwan’ instead of DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te during a campaign event in Taichung. Jaw also criticized the DPP’s governance record over the last eight years, arguing that their belief in a change of personnel and party now resonated with the DPP itself.
2023/12/26 11:10
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KMT VP Jaw vows to expand Taiwan’s diplomacy
KMT vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong pledges to expand Taiwan’s diplomatic relations if the KMT wins the upcoming elections. He criticizes the ruling DPP for losing nine diplomatic allies during their eight-year tenure. Jaw’s remarks were made during a Constitution Day event organized by the KMT’s Department of International Affairs, attended by KMT Chairman Eric Chu and KMT Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia. Chu defends Hsia, stating that he is a valuable asset to the party and urges media outlets to avoid spreading misinformation. Hsia expresses regret that young people overlook the significance of Dec. 25 as Constitution Day in Taiwan and promises to restore the value of the Republic of China if the KMT wins the elections next year.
2023/12/26 10:11
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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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Jaw Shaw-kong slams Lai Ching-te over Wanli housing issues
KMT vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong criticizes DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te’s family house in Wanli District, questioning its legality and the presence of military police. Jaw also accuses Lai of neglecting housing issues in mining areas and highlights the DPP’s disregard for non-urban planned lands. The controversy surrounding the Wanli property reflects the intense scrutiny candidates face over personal and family matters during elections.
2023/12/20 18:41
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KMT’s Jaw answers students’ ’1992 Consensus’ questions
KMT vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong challenges the narrative of the "1992 Consensus," stating it was not used during cross-strait negotiations. He explains that the parties involved articulated their positions orally with no unified expression, and it was later that Su Chi introduced the term. Jaw also addresses the DPP’s stance on the "One China" policy, stating that the DPP urges Beijing to acknowledge "One China" as the Republic of China, a recognition unlikely from Beijing. He critiques the DPP’s performance over their 8-year tenure and suggests that the electorate could express dissatisfaction by transferring power to the KMT. Jaw acknowledges the contributions of Taiwanese businesses to China’s economic development and asserts that Taiwan could demand economic concessions from China. He questions the need for increased defense spending and extended conscription in Taiwan in the absence of an immediate threat, stating that conflict between the two sides should and must not occur.
2023/12/20 11:05
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’Lai-Hsiao’ tied with ’Hou-Jaw’ in latest Taiwan polls
The latest poll released by United Daily News shows a neck-and-neck race unfolding in Taiwan’s upcoming 2024 presidential election. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidates, Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim, known as "Lai-Hsiao," have a support rate of 31%, matching the popularity of the Kuomintang (KMT) duo Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong, dubbed "Hou-Jaw," who also have a 31% approval rating. Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je and his vice-presidential partner, Cynthia Wu, referred to as "Ko-Wu," currently stand at 21% in the polls. In terms of in-party support, "Lai-Hsiao" leads with an 86% approval rate among DPP supporters, "Hou-Jaw" has an 83% approval from KMT adherents, and "Ko-Wu" secured an 85% backing from TPP followers. Among neutral voters, "Hou-Jaw" leads with 25%, followed by "Ko-Wu" at 23%, and "Lai-Hsiao" at 19%. However, 45% of all polled voters believe "Lai-Hsiao" are most likely to win the election, compared to 23% for "Hou-Jaw" and 13% for "Ko-Wu," with 19% feeling the outcome is too close to call. The survey also indicates a collective yearning among 48% of respondents for political change, with 31% expressing a strong desire to see the DPP unseated. The poll, conducted from Dec. 13 to Dec. 17, involved 1,250 adult respondents with an additional 368 refusals. The methodology employed dual-frame sampling of both landline and mobile phones, accounting for mobile-only households, and the results were weighted according to age, gender, and population distribution across various municipalities for those aged over 20. The survey has a margin of error of ±2.8 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
2023/12/19 10:07
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KMT Chairman Chu eyes majority in 2024 legislative race
KMT chairman Eric Chu expresses optimism about the upcoming legislative elections and suggests that the KMT could potentially secure a majority if things go smoothly. He is joined by legislators-at-large candidates Ko Chih-en and Hsieh Lung-chieh, as they declare their commitment to victory in the 2024 elections. The KMT acknowledges that about 15 electoral districts are currently in tight races and plans to mobilize a strong team including former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu, presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih, vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen to bolster support in these critical areas. Chairman Chu expresses confidence in the quality of the KMT’s legislative nominees and emphasizes the party’s careful and cautious approach to the election battle. With high-profile party members rallying to support candidates nationwide, the KMT is gearing up for a significant push ahead of the 2024 legislative elections.
2023/12/18 21:25
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Ko Wen-je challenges KMT’s Jaw on media role ethics
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je challenges Kuomintang (KMT) vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong to clarify whether he should resign as chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of China. Ko criticizes the scheduling of the upcoming presidential debate just four days before the blackout period for election polls, suggesting that it is a strategic move by the KMT and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to minimize its impact on the race. Ko is seen wearing a pin of the flag of the Republic of China, sparking speculation about his intentions. He clarifies that his attire was chosen by his assistants and emphasizes that Taiwan and its flag do not belong to any single political party.
2023/12/18 21:16
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Hou vows to join key trade pacts, criticizes DPP inaction
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih criticizes Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) opponent Lai Ching-te for lacking clarity on cross-strait economic and trade policies. Hou emphasizes the importance of maintaining trade with China and accuses the DPP of not participating in major trade agreements. He vows to join these agreements and secure Taiwan’s position in regional economics. KMT vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong also criticizes the DPP for not engaging with mainland China and increasing banned items from China. He argues that the KMT is better equipped to initiate cross-strait dialogues.
2023/12/18 21:15
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Jaw Shaw-kon slams DPP for vaccine bias during pandemic peak
KMT Vice Presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong criticizes the DPP government for prioritizing COVID-19 vaccines for certain cities during the peak of the pandemic three years ago. He accuses the DPP of favoritism and urges New Taipei residents to remember the government’s actions and support the incumbent mayor, regardless of party affiliation. Jaw’s remarks aim to hold the DPP accountable in the upcoming elections and solidify the KMT’s base in Taiwan’s political landscape.
2023/12/18 19:57
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Analyst: Jaw’s candid style wins over Taiwan’s youth
Former legislator Julian Kuo discusses the appeal of Kuomintang (KMT) vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong among young voters. Kuo highlights Jaw’s straightforward and outspoken manner, which resonates with Taiwan’s younger generation. Jaw’s recent interaction with students at National Chengchi University (NCCU) has sparked discussions and showcased his outreach to younger demographics. This comes as electoral candidates strive to secure young voter support, and Jaw has surprisingly gained attention from the 20-40 age group, which has not traditionally been a core supporter base for KMT candidates. Polls indicate that the 73-year-old Jaw has had a favorable impact on this younger voter segment, causing bemusement among the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
2023/12/18 19:46
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KMT’s Jaw calls for Terry Gou’s return to party ranks
Kuomintang (KMT) vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong publicly appeals for Foxconn founder Terry Gou to return to the party. Gou had initiated a signature campaign for opposition consolidation, but did not register for the 2024 election. Jaw hopes Gou will reconsider and come back to the KMT, emphasizing the party’s need for his support. Gou, who had planned to run as an independent candidate with actress Lai Pei-hsia as his running mate, withdrew from the election before the registration deadline on Nov. 24.
2023/12/18 11:54
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Taichung heats up as DPP, KMT, TPP rally for votes
On "Super Saturday" in Taichung, three groups of candidates rallied to support their respective parties’ legislative contenders ahead of Taiwan’s 2024 presidential and legislative elections. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim campaigned tirelessly for her party’s legislative candidates, while Kuomintang (KMT) vice-presidential hopeful Jaw Shaw-Kong attended back-to-back events supporting Chiang Chi-chen and Yen Kuan-heng. The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) also made a strong showing, with Tsai Pi-ru, TPP’s first district legislative candidate in Taichung, gathering an impressive lineup of supporters including Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-ye, former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu, and TPP’s presidential candidate Ko Wen-je.
2023/12/16 17:33