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Hou Yu-ih calls rivals post-election, urges unity
New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih acknowledged phoning his presidential rivals Ko Wen-je and Lai Ching-te on election night, advocating for unity and emphasizing the importance of listening to the public and resolving issues. Hou, running on the Kuomintang (KMT) ticket, lost the 2024 presidential race. Peggy Chen, wife of Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je, revealed that Ko received a call from a KMT-affiliated individual on election night, rumored to be Hou. Ko reportedly ignored the calls, expressing reluctance to be "fooled for a second time." Mayor Hou confirmed making the call after the election results were final, emphasizing the need for unity and addressing urgent problems faced by Taiwan.
2024/01/17 14:37
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Cynthia Wu promises tighter security after rally scare
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) vice-presidential candidate Cynthia Wu pledges to reinforce security measures in response to an incident where an individual was caught with an air gun at a TPP rally in Taichung. Wu visits Taichung after TPP presidential candidate Ko Wen-je held rallies there for two consecutive days. Wu’s campaign trail proceeds to Nantou County. When asked about the chants at the previous night’s rally, Wu expresses that election campaigning is tough and everyone should encourage and support each other. Wu’s final stop in Taichung is Wanhe Temple, where she is accompanied by the temple’s chairman for prayers and blessings. During a photo session with supporters, a vehicle carrying KMT legislative candidate Liao Wei-hsiang passes by, and the KMT’s Taichung branch director greets him, emphasizing collaboration between the TPP and KMT in Taichung.
2024/01/07 18:18
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Supporter shaves Ko Wen-je’s face in hair
A barber in Changhua has gone viral after posting a video on Facebook of him shaving an image of Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je into a client’s hair. The detailed design, complete with Ko’s face, nose, eyes, glasses, suit, and tie, has sparked lively online discussions. The client had requested the unique haircut in preparation for attending an election rally for Ko Wen-je, but he has been advised by the Changhua County Election Commission to cover his hairdo, possibly with a cap, while voting due to rules prohibiting the display of candidate-related items within polling stations. This unconventional show of support for a presidential candidate has prompted discussions about the extreme measures other supporters are taking for their preferred candidates, such as a female enthusiast of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te surprising him with a sudden kiss during a photo, and supporters of Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih waving the national flag at his events. The hairstyle news is another example of the enthusiastic participation of Taiwanese citizens in the elections, showcasing their support in diverse and creative ways.
2024/01/07 16:31
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Taiwan’s election frenzy: Final weekend rallies in Kaohsiung
The final weekend of the 2024 election race in Taiwan sees presidential candidates from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), and the Kuomintang (KMT) rallying in Kaohsiung. Lai Ching-te, the DPP’s candidate, and his running mate, Hsiao Bi-khim, focus on the Fengshan District for their ’Golden Week Eve’ rally, with notable attendees such as President Tsai Ing-wen and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai. The KMT and TPP both choose the popular Ruifeng Night Market for their night rallies, with candidates Hou Yu-ih and Ko Wen-je staggering their appearances by an hour. The KMT hosts a unity victory rally at Dream Mall, while the TPP candidate and his wife make appearances in Kaohsiung, boosting support and holding a rally at Aozidi Forest Park. Crowd control and traffic management become important considerations for the rallies at Ruifeng Night Market. As the race intensifies in the final week of campaigning, the candidates are leaving no stone unturned.
2024/01/07 14:36
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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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TPP’s Ko Wen-je rallies for change in Taichung
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je held a rally in Taichung, urging supporters to transcend traditional Blue and Green politics. The event drew a large crowd, demonstrating strong support for Ko. During his speech, Ko expressed gratitude and reassured the audience that victory is close. He emphasized the need for better transportation systems and highlighted the potential of local industries. Ko questioned whether the Kuomintang (KMT) can effectively address day-to-day problems. He appealed to voters to set aside traditional political divides and focus on the electorate’s concerns.
2024/01/07 10:41
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Natixis: Taiwan’s economy set for growth amid 2024 election
The upcoming Taiwan presidential election is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s economic growth, according to a research report by France’s Natixis Corporate and Investment Banking company. The report suggests that regardless of the election outcome, Taiwan is poised for economic growth, with the consumer and tech industries leading the way. The research predicts that economic growth could increase from 1.2% in 2023 to 2.9% in 2024. While candidates share similar social and labor policies, the report highlights the major differences in their positions on industrial and energy areas, as well as Taiwan’s economic relationship with China. The report also mentions the potential role of Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je in triggering legislative instability. The incumbent Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), leading in polls, is expected to continue pushing for diversified trade and investment policies, shifting focus from China to the U.S. and other Asian regions. However, achieving these targets may be challenging as Taiwan has missed out on regional trade and economic agreements such as RCEP, CPTTP, and the U.S.-led IPEF. If the Kuomintang (KMT) wins the election, they might seek closer trade and investment links with China by expanding the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), according to Natixis.
2024/01/06 17:16
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Hou Yu-ih calls for democratic reforms, coalition gov’t
KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih proposes a third wave of democratic reforms and a coalition government, inviting individuals outside of the KMT such as TPP candidate Ko Wen-je and Foxconn founder Terry Gou. He criticizes DPP candidate Lai Ching-te for lack of transparency regarding the Medigen Covid-19 vaccine and accuses the DPP of improper governance and corruption. The campaign rally in Tainan attracted 50,000 supporters with prominent KMT officials in attendance.
2024/01/06 15:08
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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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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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Ko Wen-je criticizes DPP’s online campaign tactics
Taipei mayoral candidate Ko Wen-je criticized the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) cyber warriors for their lack of professionalism in response to a campaign video. Ko emphasized the need for the DPP’s online campaign team to take their role more seriously. The video featured President Tsai Ing-wen passing the baton to Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-Khim, but Ko questioned the selection process for Lai as a running mate. The video’s imagery, including blue and white cars, raised speculation about deviation from the DPP’s established path. Ko stated that the correct direction remains to be determined.
2024/01/03 18:03
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Ko Wen-je calls on Taiwan’s youth to shape nation’s future
Taipei (TVBS News) — Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je urges young voters to consider their role in shaping the country’s future, stating that the nation is ultimately theirs to inherit and it is their responsibility to "save their country." Ko’s comments come after at-large legislative nominee Huang Kuo-chang emphasized that a youth voter turnout of 85% could pave the way for Ko’s victory in the presidential race. Huang has been actively encouraging young people to vote, asserting that reaching the aforementioned youth voter turnout could potentially break the longstanding political divide between Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) parties. When questioned about how to realistically achieve this 85% youth voter participation rate, Ko calls on young people to reflect on their responsibilities towards their country and emphasizes that they should be at the forefront of saving their nation. These statements highlight the critical role of young voters in potentially reshaping Taiwan’s future political landscape as the presidential race unfolds.
2024/01/03 17:04
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Taiwan election heats up: Ko clarifies remarks on rival Hou
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je clarifies his past remarks questioning the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) apparent favor towards his Kuomintang (KMT) rival, Hou Yu-ih, and small donations from Taiwanese businessmen in China to the KMT. Hou takes offense and accuses Ko and the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential candidate, Lai Ching-te, of "smearing" tactics. Hou also opposes foreign interference in Taiwan’s elections. Hou accuses Ko and Lai of property-related irregularities, implying potential illicit behavior. Ko reiterates that he was only inquiring about the CCP’s regard for Hou and refuses to discuss the property issues raised by Hou.
2024/01/03 15:49
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Ko Wen-je rallies support with Taoyuan motorcade campaign
Presidential candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) toured Taoyuan, holding a motorcade campaign activity with legislative candidate Li Mu-yan. In the evening, Ko plans to host a campaign rally in Pingzhen District for legislative candidate Lai Hsiang-ling. Despite poor weather conditions, Ko said he would continue his campaign activities in Taoyuan, which include visits to Luzhu Township, Yangmei District, Pingzhen District, and Zhongli District. In the evening, Ko will attend a photo session with voters at Zhongli Market.
2024/01/03 15:42
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Lai Ching-te vows to align Taiwan with democracies
The story is about Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate, declaring that Taiwan is aligning with global democratic allies and will not follow the old path of the Kuomintang (KMT). Lai made this statement during a presidential candidate debate when questioned about Taiwan’s ability to remain neutral amid U.S.-China competition. He emphasized President Tsai’s diplomatic strategy and his own role in garnering international support for Taiwan. Lai also responded to criticism from KMT’s presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, regarding his assistance during the pandemic. Lai argued that Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je lacks real achievements compared to President Tsai’s performance.
2023/12/30 19:02
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Emotional Ko reflects on father’s wishes during debate
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je became emotional during a debate when reminiscing about his father’s wishes for him to become a hospital director. During the debate, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te accused Ko of devaluing farmland by converting it into parking lots. Ko admitted that his father had purchased the land for him but emphasized that it was intended for agricultural use, not for building a hospital. Ko expressed regret for not fulfilling his father’s expectations but defended his land purchases, stating that the focus of the debate should be Taiwan’s future rather than his personal real estate affairs.
2023/12/30 18:40
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Ko envisions Taiwan as bridge, not pawn, in global politics
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je discusses his core policy on cross-strait relations, emphasizing preparedness for war but not seeking it. He advocates for autonomy and peaceful cross-strait relations. Ko expresses concern over Taiwanese unease with the Taiwan Strait status quo and questions if Taiwan desires secrecy, division, and animosity. He envisions Taiwan as a beautiful island and desires it to be a bridge for Sino-American communication. Ko acknowledges challenges such as the necessity of TSMC and cautiously approaches nuclear energy, considering the international trend towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. He aims to transcend traditional ideological division and promises fairness, inclusivity, and effective governance.
2023/12/30 17:19
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KMT’s Hou Yu-ih blasts DPP for autocracy and corruption
Kuomintang’s (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for alleged autocracy, incompetence, and widespread corruption. He singles out DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te as a complicit beneficiary of the party’s corrupt structure. Hou proposes a "New Taiwan Political Reform Movement" focused on governing with peace, dignity, fairness, integrity, and diligence. He suggests that Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je could play a key role in this movement. Hou highlights the issues faced by the Taiwanese in the past eight years, such as fraud, corruption, democratic regression, and cross-strait tensions. He criticizes Lai for distancing himself from Taiwan’s independence and condemns the DPP over allegations of sexual harassment, corruption, and the new movement faction. Hou argues that the DPP’s disarray has eroded its trustworthiness among the Taiwanese. He outlines his aim of leading a clean governance team with capacity, courage, and fiscal propriety, in contrast to the DPP’s alleged autocracy. Hou asserts his capability and strength to form a coalition government, fulfilling the aspiration for an alternate ruling party.
2023/12/30 17:14
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Ko backs Tsai’s foreign policy, critiques domestic plans
Presidential candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) expresses support for President Tsai Ing-wen’s foreign policy but rejects her domestic policy agenda. During a televised debate, Ko emphasizes the need for Taiwan to establish its own position amid the U.S.-China confrontation. He cites former U.S. President Trump’s efforts to distance from China and quotes U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s stance on China. Ko, accompanied by his spouse Chen Pei-chi, appears in a black suit with a purple polka dot tie, wearing a Republic of China national emblem and KP badge.
2023/12/30 16:02
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Hou Yu-ih challenges Tsai’s foreign policy effectiveness
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih challenges the effectiveness of President Tsai Ing-wen’s foreign policy, questioning its impact on Taiwan-China communication, severed relations with former allies, extended military service, and increased risk of Chinese fighter jets breaching Taiwan’s airspace. The three presidential contenders, including Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je, discuss U.S.-Taiwan relations and their stance on President Tsai’s policy. Hou questions DPP’s handling of tainted politics during their time in power and highlights his support for the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA). He also addresses concerns over cross-strait flight operations and employment difficulties for Chinese students in Taiwan. Hou pledges to follow the Constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and maintain administrative neutrality without relying on any side.
2023/12/30 15:51
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Hou Yu-ih lists DPP’s ’top ten’ policy failures in 8 years
The Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, listed the ten major policy failures of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) during a livestream presidential debate. These failures include ineffective energy policies, food safety violations, deteriorated public security, debt burdening future generations, critical issues in people’s livelihoods, housing injustice, rising cross-strait military threats, plummeting wages, skyrocketing house prices, and ineffective pandemic responses. Hou elaborated on specific examples such as solar power corruption, tainted food black market dealings, overspending on "forward-looking" infrastructures, a lack of electricity and water, regulatory failure in the National Communications Commission (NCC), failed social housing policies, the threatening potential of military conflict, income inequality at a ten-year high, and around 20,000 deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hou expressed regret over his opponent, DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te’s campaign methods, accusing him of slander and displaying incompetence and unscrupulousness. Hou confirmed his opposition to Taiwanese independence while claiming that Lai advocated for it. He also criticized former Taipei Mayor and current Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je for not responding to this issue. Hou emphasized his lifelong pledge to remain loyal to the Republic of China’s flag and safeguard Taiwan’s democratic freedom.
2023/12/30 15:47
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MOFA counters Ko’s remarks on Taiwan’s diplomatic allies
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has expressed concern over comments made by Ko Wen-je, Taiwan People’s Party presidential candidate, stating that they could potentially harm Taiwan’s diplomatic relationships and lead to misunderstandings. MOFA spokesperson Liu Yung-chien emphasized that there is no conflict between solidifying relations with allied countries and developing substantial relationships with non-allied nations. The foreign ministry’s approach is to contribute to both areas simultaneously, without prioritizing based on alliance status. Liu highlighted the vital support received from allies over the years, which has helped Taiwan participate in international organizations and advance its causes. He expressed gratitude for the moral courage and vocal support shown by these allies, and stated that any possible misunderstanding sparked by Ko’s remarks is not something the people of Taiwan wish to see. In a podcast interview, Ko remarked that the number of diplomatic allies had been misperceived, suggesting that Taiwan would still fare well even if the number went down to zero. Ko emphasized the importance of substantial relationships, citing Taiwan’s positive relationships with Japan and the U.S., despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
2023/12/28 17:15
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Ko Wen-je leverages self-media to counter rivals
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je spoke out against the Kuomintang (KMT) in an interview, accusing them of spreading false information about his party. Ko stated that he had to rely on self-media to counter the misinformation after the alliance between TPP and KMT ended. He expressed skepticism about the willingness of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te and KMT candidate Hou Yu-ih to participate in interviews that could potentially be disadvantageous for them. Ko also criticized the media’s support hierarchy, claiming that the DPP received the most support, followed by the KMT.
2023/12/27 19:08
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Cynthia Wu reveals lack of initial support in VP role
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) vice presidential candidate Cynthia Wu discusses her initial struggles in her new role, revealing that she was not provided much guidance by the party. It took her several days to figure out certain techniques and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Wu also acknowledges that the party’s resources and focus were primarily on Chairman Ko Wen-je. She addresses recent polls indicating a surge in her unpopularity, attributing it to her low media profile in her political career. Wu emphasizes her commitment to aligning with Ko Wen-je’s campaign schedule and engaging in activities like canvassing, policy announcements, and appearances on programs to better communicate with the public.
2023/12/27 17:46
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Ko Wen-je defends longevity of nuclear power plants
Taipei mayoral candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) argued that nuclear plants can be utilized for more than 30 to 60 years with proper planning. Ko criticized Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te’s nuclear power policy, challenging the assertion that nuclear plants should be decommissioned after 30 years. Additionally, Ko criticized the current anti-fraud policies, specifically those implemented by Hou Yu-ih, stating that they were ineffective. Lai’s campaign office responded by asserting that a nuclear-free homeland is a widely agreed-upon consensus among citizens and questioned Ko and Hou’s lack of a clear plan for nuclear waste disposal.
2023/12/27 16:32