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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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Hou and Chao: Taiwan must prepare, not provoke against China
Kuomintang presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and running mate Chao Shao-kang reaffirmed that Beijing has not renounced the use of force against Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of Taiwan’s democracy in countering Chinese pressure. In an interview with NBC, Hou stated that Taiwan’s future should be determined by its 23 million inhabitants, asserting that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country. Hou advocated for preparedness without provocation and maintaining a deterrence capability amid growing tensions. Chao stressed the necessity of peace for cross-strait development, with strength as a crucial support. He emphasized the importance of U.S. support for Taiwan’s defense measures. Hou also highlighted the critical role of the U.S. in Taiwan’s self-defense efforts and expressed confidence in the deepening of the Taiwan-U.S. relationship. Chao argued that Taiwan’s democracy will inevitably influence mainland China, challenging the Chinese government to explain why democracy cannot thrive in a place with a shared heritage and culture across the Strait.
2023/12/11 20:30
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’Gou-Lai ticket’ ends bid, aiming to unify Taiwan further
Independent candidate Terry Gou and running mate Lai Pei-hsia have withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race, expressing gratitude to supporters and emphasizing their commitment to unifying Taiwan and improving living standards. Lai’s heartfelt message conveyed disappointment over failed attempts to unify opposition parties, highlighting their dedication to the Republic of China. Lai praised Gou’s vision and affirmed her determination to protect the nation. The withdrawal occurred on the deadline for registration, leaving the race between Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party, Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party, and Hou Yu-ih from the Kuomintang, setting the stage for a three-cornered fight in the upcoming elections.
2023/11/24 18:24
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DPP’s Lai narrowly leads KMT’s Hou in latest Taiwan poll
In a closely contested presidential race in Taiwan, a recent poll by Formosa Magazine shows that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate, Lai Ching-te, holds a slim lead over his Kuomintang (KMT) rival, Hou Yu-ih. Lai stands at 31.4%, while Hou is close behind at 31.1%, and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) contender, Ko Wen-je, trails at 25.2%. The razor-thin margin of just 0.3 percentage points between Lai and Hou highlights the intense competition as Taiwan enters the final stage of the election. This election also presents the possibility of a shift in political power, with 27.8% supporting the continuation of the DPP government, 26.8% backing the KMT, and 16.5% siding with the TPP. Approximately 2.9% of the population supports an independent candidate. DPP sources claim that recent unusual polling activities are due to vigorous mobilization by the pan-blue and white camps (KMT and TPP), which have anomalously driven declared rates from about 50% to a staggering 90%. The poll was conducted over three days, from Nov. 21-23, using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) and had a valid sample size of 1,331 respondents. The poll paints a picture of a fiercely contested election, with an electorate divided on its future leadership.
2023/11/24 18:18
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KMT candidate Hou exposes Ko’s message on Gou’s race exit
During a three-way election talk in Taipei, Kuomintang presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih revealed a private message sent by independent candidate Ko Wen-je, implying that Terry Gou, another independent candidate, needs a reason to withdraw from the race. The gathering, attended by Gou, Hou, Ko, former president Ma Ying-jeou, and KMT chairman Eric Chu, has been seen as a classic pre-election scene. Hou accidentally disclosed Ko’s comments about Gou needing an excuse to step down. Ko had intended to hold a meeting among the three parties to demonstrate their commitment to Taiwan’s future. By giving Gou a chance to host the meeting and act as a driving force behind the KMT-TPP ticket, Ko believed Gou could withdraw from the race without embarrassment. Gou was reportedly shocked by this revelation, as he was unaware of the messages exchanged. Wu Tzu-chia, president of Formosa Online, commented on the incident, highlighting Gou’s surprise and his initial intention to promote opposition unity. However, Ko’s reaction to the leaked message was ironic, as he criticized Hou and exposed his own pretense, adding further controversy to the already heated election atmosphere.
2023/11/24 18:00
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Oppostion parties to meet at Grand Hyatt for collab talks
Presidential candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) is scheduled to meet with his Kuomintang (KMT) rivals Hou Yu-ih and independent candidate Terry Gou at the Grand Hyatt Hotel after 4:30 p.m. on Thursday (Nov. 23). Initially, Gou wanted to host the talks at his residence but later agreed to change the venue to the Grand Hyatt Hotel. On the other hand, Hou insisted that the meeting should take place at former President Ma Ying-jeou’s office. Huang Shih-hsiu, the spokesperson for Gou’s office, stated that they would wait at the Grand Hyatt Hotel until a representative from Hou’s campaign arrived or until 5 a.m. the next morning. Ma Ying-jeou will be attending the talks as a witness, suggesting the significance of this meeting among the leading presidential contenders. The meet-up indicates a strategic discussion as Taiwan prepares for its next presidential election, with each candidate aiming to consolidate support and potentially discuss alliance formations that could impact the dynamics of the upcoming race.
2023/11/23 16:33
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Terry Gou willing to contribute to KMT, TPP tripartite talks
Taiwan’s independent presidential candidate Terry Gou has expressed his willingness to serve as a mediator in tripartite talks between the Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), and himself. This announcement follows TPP presidential candidate Ko Wen-je’s proposal for a meeting with KMT candidate Hou Yu-ih and a subsequent decision to hold a meeting at the Grand Hyatt hotel. Gou, who is running independently, aims to achieve a "peaceful, prosperous, and clean" vision of governance and believes that unity among opposition forces is vital to challenge the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). He emphasizes that the upcoming 2024 presidential election is crucial for the future development of Taiwan and proposes the formation of a coalition government to propel national development and reshape the political landscape.
2023/11/23 16:29
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TPP’s Ko Wen-je seeks unity with Terry Gou
The story discusses a significant political development in Taiwan, where Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih visited former President Ma Ying-jeou’s office for a meeting, while Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential hopeful Ko Wen-je visited the home of independent candidate Terry Gou. Ko formally invited Gou on Facebook, aiming to consolidate opposition forces and unite for a potential political transition in 2024. Ko praised Gou’s vision for governance and their shared principles. Gou and his vice presidential candidate Tammy Lai garnered a record-breaking 1.03 million signatures for their presidential bid. Ko has been vocal about Taiwan’s challenges and sees Gou as a catalyst for positive changes in various areas. Ko called for opposition unity and collaboration with Hou Yu-ih for Taiwan’s future.
2023/11/23 12:54
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Lai Ching-te leads in latest Formosa Magazine poll
Taiwan’s Formosa Magazine released its latest poll results for the 2024 presidential election. The Democratic Progressive Party’s Lai Ching-te leads in both three-way and four-way races, with the Kuomintang’s Hou Yu-ih closely behind. In a three-way race, Lai has 31.8%, followed by Hou with 29.6% and Taiwan People’s Party’s Ko Wen-je with 27.1%. In a four-way contest, Lai still leads with 30.4%, followed by Hou at 27.2%, Ko at 22.9%, and independent candidate Terry Gou at 5.5%. The poll also addressed the KMT-TPP alliance break, with 17.3% blaming the KMT, 26% blaming the TPP, 20% finding both parties accountable, and 22.3% expressing no opinion.
2023/11/22 20:31
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Gou’s running mate Lai Pei-hsia picks up election form
Lai Pei-hsia, running mate of independent candidate Terry Gou, visited the CEC to collect election forms, amidst growing speculation about Gou’s potential political alliances and election strategy.
2023/11/22 20:22
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TPP announces candidates for Taiwan’s 2024 legislative race
The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) has announced its list of 34 candidates for the legislator-at-large positions for the 2024 elections. Former Taipei Deputy Mayor Vivian Huang and former lawmaker Huang Kuo-chang are the top candidates on the list. Notably, the candidates recommended by independent presidential hopeful Terry Gou were not included. TPP’s presidential candidate Ko Wen-je clarified that Gou declined the invitation to provide recommended names. Ko highlighted the growth of TPP, which he founded four years ago, and emphasized the party’s commitment to recruiting competent individuals dedicated to serving Taiwan’s interests in the legislature.
2023/11/22 18:08
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Blue-White alliance impacts prospects of Terry Gou’s bid
Former Legislative Yuan speaker Wang Jin-pyng urges independent candidate Terry Gou to join the Blue camp, as Taiwan’s political landscape heats up with the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Gou’s decision holds significant weight for the KMT, TPP, and the Democratic Progressive Party.
2023/11/17 18:11
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BCC Chairman urges Terry Gou to reassess presidential bid
The Chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of China, Chao Shao-kang, has urged Terry Gou, independent presidential candidate and founder of Foxconn, to reconsider his election bid in light of the recent consensus reached between the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP). Chao emphasized that Gou has already surpassed the nomination threshold and should step back, as he initially aimed to boost the KMT-TPP coalition. Although TPP candidate Ko Wen-je had considered an alliance with Gou, the formation of the coalition renders any significant change unlikely. Chao cautioned against excluding Gou and suggested integrating his influence into the coalition. He warned that failing to do so could pose problems if Gou continues his presidential run. Chao expressed confidence that Gou would not win the election and advised him to withdraw logically, rather than emotionally.
2023/11/16 17:09
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Terry Gou remains open to cooperation with TPP’s Ko
Independent presidential candidate Terry Gou’s campaign office spokesperson, Chen Chia-yi, confirmed that the election coalition between the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan’s People Party (TPP) does not prevent the TPP from forming an alliance with Gou. Chen emphasized that Gou’s commitment to a political turnover in 2024 remains unwavering and stated that discussions can take place between Gou and TPP’s presidential contender Ko Wen-je, as the two are not mutually exclusive. Gou’s campaign team aims to bring all parties to the table to communicate their goals without any preconditions, highlighting that unity is the key to winning the presidential election. Chen mentioned that Gou’s direction aligns with the 65% mainstream public opinion, which desires the removal of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Cooperation among opposition presidential candidates is seen as the ongoing effort leading up to candidate registration at the Central Election Commission from November 20 to November 24.
2023/11/16 15:20
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What’s next for independent presidential candidate Terry Gou
As Taiwan’s presidential election nears, the spotlight is on a unique lineup of candidates, including Terry Gou, Lai Ching-te, Hou Yu-ih, and Ko Wen-je. Gou, overcoming significant challenges to secure his place, now navigates potential alliances with the TPP and the fractured opposition. With the election commission poised to announce verified candidates, all eyes are on these political moves shaping Taiwan’s future.
2023/11/10 17:11
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Ko Wen-je, Terry Gou’s dinner fuels alliance speculations
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je was seen having a private dinner with independent presidential hopeful Terry Gou at Gou’s residence on November 8, sparking speculation about a potential political alliance. Despite the hour-long meeting, Ko denied the possibility of a "Ko-Gou pairing" but did not rule out a "Gou-Ko alliance." Ko’s campaign office spokesperson, Chen Chih-han, confirmed the meeting but did not disclose any details due to confidentiality reasons. Ko had previously expressed openness to collaborating with Gou if it benefits Taiwan and publicly announced his intention to meet with Gou again. Gou’s campaign office spokesperson, Chen Chia-yi, stated that Gou and Ko have a harmonious relationship, sharing common beliefs and arguments, and expressing their mutual commitment to power rotation in the 2024 election. While the specifics of the meeting remain undisclosed, both parties affirmed their dedication to Taiwan’s future, potentially setting the stage for future collaborations that could impact Taiwan’s political landscape leading up to the elections.
2023/11/09 15:59
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Ko Wen-je’s disapproval rating surges to 42.3%: ETtoday Poll
Taiwan People’s Party presidential candidate Ko Wen-je’s disapproval rating has increased by 14.5 percentage points to 42.3%, making him the most unpopular among the contenders, according to a recent poll. The survey also revealed that Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te has an approval rating of 33% and a disapproval rating of 39.5%, while Kuomintang candidate Hou You-yi has an approval rating of 27.3% and a disapproval rating of 32%. Independent candidate Terry Gou received an approval rating of 17.9% and a disapproval rating of 33.9%. Compared to a previous poll conducted in May 2023, all four candidates saw an increase in disapproval ratings and a decline in approval ratings. Notably, Ko’s disapproval rating increased by 14.5 percentage points, while Gou’s approval rating fell by 16.1 percentage points.
2023/11/09 15:54
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Gou criticizes talent loss due to poor national strategy
Taiwanese billionaire and independent presidential candidate Terry Gou addressed the talent drain in Taiwan and its impact on the tourism industry. He highlighted how the lack of qualified personnel has affected the competitiveness of the industry, leading to a decline in domestic travel. Gou also linked this talent drain to the fertility crisis in Taiwan and the issue of female employment. He suggested that remote working could help parents balance work and family life, and called on the government to invest in software and hardware developments to support remote job positions. Gou criticized the ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party, for its failure to propose effective strategies for economic growth and emphasized the need for industrial upgrades to sustain Taiwan’s competitiveness in export-driven industries.
2023/11/08 19:57
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Lai Ching-te leads with 38.5% support: Formosa Magazine
The latest poll by Formosa Magazine reveals that Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate, is leading the race for the 2024 presidential election in Taiwan with 38.5% support. The Kuomintang (KMT) candidate, Hou Yu-ih, trails behind at 26.2%, while Ko Wen-je, the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate, secures 16.9% support. Including independent candidate Terry Gou, Lai is leading with 35.6% approval in the "four-legged race," followed by Hou at 22.2%, Ko at 16.9%, and Gou at the bottom with 6.9%. The survey also asked non-Lai supporters if they would vote for the candidate with the highest level of support among Ko, Hou, and Gou to beat the ruling DPP. 45.5% of respondents disagreed, while 39.1% agreed. In comparison to the previous poll, Lai saw a 0.8 percentage point increase to 38.5% in a three-legged race, while Hou dropped 1.4 percentage points to 26.2%. Ko, on the other hand, increased by 1.4 percentage points. Regardless of the race format, Hou currently beats Ko by five to six percentage points. The poll was conducted from November 2-3 and 6, surveying 1,201 adults across 22 counties and cities nationwide, with an error margin of 2.8% at a 95% confidence level.
2023/11/08 19:54
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Hou Yu-ih taking account of Taiwan’s best interests
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih visited the Shihlin Hulu Temple and emphasized that regardless of who becomes president, they must act in Taiwan’s best interest. Independent candidate Terry Gou and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) nominee Ko Wen-je also attended the event. Hou highlighted his 43-year career in the police force, defending the Republic of China and all citizens of Taiwan. Gou emphasized peace across the Taiwan Strait and facilitating Taiwan’s economic prosperity. Ko thanked Gou for his assistance during his tenure as mayor and visited the temple to pray for national peace.
2023/11/03 20:28
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Election candidates meet in secret, no consensus reached
Main figures of the heated election race, including Kuomingtang (KMT) Chair Eric Chu, KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih, and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je, held a secret meeting to discuss presidential and vice presidential candidacies, but no consensus was reached. In celebration of Guanyin Bodhisattva’s Renunciation Day, a memorial event was held at Shilin Hulu Temple, attended by KMT candidate Hou, TPP candidate Ko, independent candidate Terry Gou, and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an. Negotiations for a KMT-TPP joint ticket are set for tomorrow, and both parties emphasized the need for exploring new options and not disappointing the public’s expectations. Hou, with 43 years of public service, remains dedicated to protecting Taiwan and uniting the nation.
2023/11/03 19:23
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Terry Gou submits petition for 2024 presidential bid
Independent presidential candidate Terry Gou and his running mate, Lai Pei-hsia, submitted a petition to the Taipei City Election Commission on November 1. Gou addressed a crowd outside the administrative center in the Xinyi district, emphasizing the significance of each signature on the petition and promising to press forward courageously in voicing the Taiwanese people’s pursuit of democracy and freedom. The number of signatures submitted was not disclosed at the time, but Gou’s campaign office stated that more details would be provided later.
2023/11/02 20:29
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Poll shows decline in support for DPP candidate Lai
The latest national poll by My Formosa reveals a slight decline in support for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te in the upcoming 2024 presidential election in Taiwan. Lai currently holds 33.7% of support, slightly lower than the previous month. On the other hand, Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih has seen a slight increase in backing, with 24.6% support. Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je closely trails behind with 23.9% support.
2023/10/31 15:56
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Terry Gou urges support for presidential race on Facebook
Terry Gou, an independent presidential candidate in Taiwan, is calling for public support in the upcoming election. With only six days left to collect enough signatures to secure a spot on the ballot, Gou has been absent from the public eye for six consecutive days. In a Facebook post, he outlined his political philosophy centered on "peace," "prosperity," and "integrity," claiming to embody the spirit of a venture entrepreneur who values professionalism, organization, and fearlessness. Gou aims to build a Republic of China representing these principles and warns of potential chaos if no changes are made to the current power structure. He has set up signature collection stations across Taiwan and encourages the public to share his posts and invite friends to endorse his campaign.
2023/10/28 17:53
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Poll: DPP’s Lai leads 2024 presidential race with 34.7%
A recent poll conducted by online magazine My Formosa reveals that Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te is currently leading the race for the 2024 presidential election in Taiwan with 34.7%. The survey indicates a narrow gap between Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je and Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih, with only a 0.5% difference. Even if independent candidate Terry Gou joins the race, Lai’s lead is projected to persist. The survey was conducted from Oct. 23 to Oct. 25, with 1,470 individuals successfully interviewed. The maximum margin of error is ±2.6% and the confidence level is 95%.
2023/10/28 14:28