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China’s Coast Guard inspection sparks panic on Taiwan boat
Tensions escalate as China’s Coast Guard inspects "King Xia Cruise" near Kinmen, causing panic on board. Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council Minister, Kuan Bi-ling, condemns the incident, highlighting the strain on cross-strait relations. The recent clash follows a series of events, including a deadly confrontation between Taiwan and Chinese fishermen. China criticizes Taiwan’s response, blaming the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration works to manage the aftermath, coordinating funeral arrangements and supporting survivors.
2024/02/20 10:26
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TPP official challenges legality of China tour ban
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) caucus convener Huang Kuo-chang questions the legal grounds of Taiwan’s ban on group tours to China, suspecting it was a hasty response to the pandemic. The government’s sudden change just before the Lunar New Year holiday raised doubts about the ban’s legal basis, with Huang accusing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of using vague legal concepts for punishment. Huang warns against resorting to lies and absurd methods, cautioning about the consequences of broken promises and half-truths.
2024/02/19 17:13
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DPP win may prompt escalated activities from Beijing
Following the victory of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taiwan’s presidential election, a report by the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) suggests that Beijing might escalate activities in gray zone areas. The report highlights Taiwan’s increased geopolitical prominence and its pivotal role in semiconductor manufacturing, making the stability of the Taiwan Strait a key concern for the U.S. and other Western nations. The report also notes that Vice President Lai Ching-te won the election by over 40% of votes, breaking the trend of switching ruling parties every eight years since direct presidential elections were implemented in 1996. The victorious DPP aims to strengthen Taiwan’s defenses and relations with like-minded nations while resisting negotiations with Beijing. Additionally, the party seeks to reduce Taiwan’s trade dependency on China and strengthen ties with significant partners such as Australia, Europe, and Japan. With no party securing a majority in the legislative assembly, the DPP faces a "minority government and majority opposition" scenario, which could hinder the government’s legislative and budgeting process and impact Taiwan-U.S. ties. Despite the election, cross-strait relations and regional tensions are unlikely to undergo fundamental changes. Taiwan’s vital position in semiconductor manufacturing and geopolitics ensures its continued rise in importance, with the U.S. and Western nations playing a crucial role in maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait. The upcoming U.S. presidential election in November is expected to significantly impact the U.S.-China-Taiwan triangle, and a potential return of former President Trump to the White House might please Beijing, according to the report.
2024/01/18 10:27
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KMT vows to uphold legislative integrity
The Kuomintang (KMT) responds to proposals from the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) regarding future operations in the new legislature, promising to respect the opinions of the Legislative Yuan party groups. As the majority in parliament, the KMT pledges to provide vigorous oversight and advance the issues agreed upon in the cross-party meeting with the TPP on October 30th last year. Agreed matters include peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, resumption of cross-strait dialogue, environmental sustainability, national security, public health, and strengthening the legislature’s function under the existing constitutional system. The KMT emphasizes its unchanged vision for Taiwan’s future development. Additionally, they plan to scrutinize issues such as the controversy over the purchase contracts of the Medigen COVID-19 vaccine by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government. The KMT welcomes those with similar political ideals to join in preventing authoritarian one-party rule and ensuring democracy aligns with the public’s wishes.
2024/01/16 15:10
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Foreign media shares insights on Taiwan’s election
The 2024 presidential election in Taiwan marks a significant victory for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, drawing global attention to the island’s unique election practices and domestic concerns, and reaffirming its crucial role in international discussions on democracy and governance.
2024/01/14 20:31
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KMT and DPP clash in New Taipei campaign rallies
Presidential candidates from the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) held simultaneous campaign rallies in New Taipei City. KMT candidate Hou Yu-ih criticized DPP candidate Lai Ching-te for allegedly belittling the Republic of China (Taiwan) and accused the DPP of corruption. Lai emphasized human rights during his visit to the Luchou Lee Family Historic Estate and promised support for renovating the residence of Lieutenant General Lee, a figure in the resistance against Japanese occupation who was falsely accused and executed during the KMT-led era. Lai highlighted his commitment to economic development and human rights protection.
2024/01/04 14:44
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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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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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Lai Ching-te warns of KMT’s threat to Taiwan’s democracy
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te accuses the Kuomintang (KMT) of endangering society in three ways in his second televised policy presentation. Lai highlights the KMT’s adherence to the One-China policy, corruption, and ruthless tactics to seize power as the three harms inflicted upon society. He expresses concern that electing political neophyte Hou Yu-ih, representing the KMT, would indirectly support the revival of former president Ma Ying-jeou’s regime and those who support One-China, leading to the rise of a "Corruption Dynasty" that could significantly harm Taiwan’s national development. Lai also criticizes the KMT for bribery, pointing out the numerous confirmed bribery cases under judicial ruling. He further accuses the KMT of creating fake news, distorting facts, and attacking opponents and the government to win elections. Lai also criticizes the KMT for leveraging foreign power, particularly from China, to support a pro-China regime, mentioning China’s regular attempts to meddle in Taiwan’s elections.
2023/12/26 22:26
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KMT’s Hou slams DPP’s ECFA ’poison pill’ claims
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential contender Hou Yu-ih criticizes the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP’s) past claims about the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) and cross-strait communication. He questions the DPP candidate’s analogy of "three links" and direct flights to a "Trojan horse leading to a massacre" and challenges the Agriculture Minister’s role in Chinese approvals for Taiwan’s grouper fish export. Hou argues that unresolved quarantine issues could harm Taiwanese farmers and suggests direct negotiations with China. He also criticizes Lai’s "Taiwan independence" stance, claiming it lacks practical understanding of cross-strait relations. If elected, Hou promises to continue ECFA negotiations to reduce China’s tariffs on Taiwan’s industries. He believes that adhering to the Constitution and the Act Governing Relations between Taiwan and China will maintain peace between the straits.
2023/12/26 16:44
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Ex-KMT legislator Tsai defends classical Chinese in schools
Former Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Alex Tsai advocates for the inclusion of classical Chinese literature in education, suggesting that it should be part of university entrance exams. Tsai cites the University of Tokyo as an example, where classical Chinese content is included in the national language exams. He argues that studying these classics can enhance language skills and cultural refinement. Tsai criticizes the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and pro-independence forces for neglecting the value of classical Chinese and accuses them of attempting to "de-sinicize" Taiwan’s education system. Critics argue that education should prioritize critical thinking and note that the DPP has retained a significant portion of classical Chinese content in the curriculum. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum’s core principles and content to advance Taiwan’s educational progress.
2023/12/12 17:44
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KMT head touts DPP’s narrow lead in latest polls
Kuomintang Chairman Eric Chu announces a narrow margin of 0.2% between the KMT’s Hou-Kang ticket and the DPP’s Lao-Hsiao ticket in the latest internal polls. Chu expresses confidence in the KMT’s ability to gain ground against the DPP. He defends the rights of non-ruling parties in Taiwan’s democratic system and criticizes attempts to confiscate opposition parties’ assets by the Ill-gotten Party Assets Settlement Committee. Chu challenges TPP candidate Ko Wen-je to assist in returning assets to retired party workers. Chu responds to Ko’s labeling of KMT candidate Hou Yu-ih as "pro-unification in a hurry with China" by asserting that anyone not supporting independence is unfairly tagged as pro-unification by the DPP.
2023/12/11 20:45
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TPP’s Ko’s wife dares DPP to sue over Taipei Dome claims
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je’s wife, Peggy Chen, openly challenged the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on December 9th, expressing her willingness to face legal consequences if sued. Chen’s challenge followed her questioning the integrity of the Premier and the Minister of the Interior on Facebook, alleging their deliberate obstruction of the approval process for the Taipei Dome project during Ko’s tenure as Taipei City Mayor in October of the previous year. During an event in Taichung City’s Dali District, Chen boldly stated, "If the DPP wants to sue, then sue me!" She emphasized that her information came directly from Ko himself and assured that she had made efforts to verify the claims. When asked about the recent decline in Ko’s support according to polls, Chen simply responded, "Just keep working hard."
2023/12/09 16:07
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DPP leads over KMT, TPP trails in latest poll
A new poll conducted by Formosa Magazine shows that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ticket of Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim is leading with 40.1% support, followed by the Kuomintang (KMT) duo Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong with 31.6%. The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) pair Ko Wen-je and Cynthia Wu received the lowest support at 14.8%. The survey also revealed that 3.3% of respondents would not vote or cast an invalid vote, and 10.2% were undecided. The poll shows a slight increase of 1.8 percentage points for the Lai-Hsiao alliance, a 0.2 percentage point rise for the Hou-Jaw ticket, and no change for the Ko-Wu ticket compared to the previous poll. In terms of party governance preferences, 35.3% favored the DPP staying in power, while 29.1% supported a handover to the KMT, and 13.3% were in favor of the TPP. Additionally, 47% disagreed with the idea of voting for the opposition party with the highest level of support to remove the ruling party, while 41.1% agreed. The poll interviewed 1,201 Taiwanese citizens aged 20 and above across 22 counties and cities using computer-assisted telephone interviewing from Dec. 4 to Dec. 6. The confidence level was at 95% with a maximum sampling error of ±2.8%.
2023/12/07 19:47
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Radio Free Asia exposes attacks on Taiwan VP hopeful
Taiwanese vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim, a member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has been targeted by Chinese misinformation campaigns, which label her as an "American agent." Due to her mixed heritage and former dual citizenship, Hsiao’s loyalty and identity have been questioned on Chinese social media platforms. False claims about her inability to speak Mandarin have been circulated, along with accusations of her "appeasing America" and "betraying Taiwan." Hsiao has refuted these allegations, asserting that she renounced her American citizenship in 2002 and holds only Taiwanese citizenship. Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election has become a prime target for China’s disinformation warfare, with strict state censorship filtering information about the election.
2023/12/07 14:44
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KMT, TPP leaders targeted in Taipei prosecutors’ probe
Former President Ma Ying-jeou’s office accuses Taipei District Prosecutor’s Office of contradicting President Tsai Ing-wen’s statement on noninterference in judiciary matters. The prosecutor’s office is investigating the Blue-White alliance, a collaboration between political parties, as an illicit "partition of interests." Defendants under investigation include Eric Chu, Chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT), Hou Yu-ih, the KMT’s presidential candidate, and Ko Wen-je, the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate. KMT spokesperson Yang Chih-yu criticizes the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for politicizing the judiciary and discrediting internationally common party cooperation models. Yang highlights previous instances of the DPP’s involvement in similar political arrangements, raising questions about a double standard.
2023/12/04 21:34
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DPP leads in latest 2024 election poll; KMT trails
The latest poll by Formosa Magazine reveals that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is leading the 2024 Taiwan presidential race, with the Kuomintang (KMT) trailing with approximately 30% support, and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) at the bottom. Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim, the DPP presidential candidates, have an approval rating of 36.3%, while the KMT contenders, Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-Kong, hold a 31.0% approval rating. Ko Wen-je and Cynthia Wu of the TPP secured an 18% support rate. In terms of party support, 32.4% of respondents favored the DPP to continue governing, 28.9% supported the KMT taking the reins, and 14.8% backed the TPP to lead. When asked about an alternation of ruling parties, 37.8% favored voting for the opposition party with the highest polls, while 51.4% disagreed. The poll also examined negative sentiments towards the candidates, with 33.3% least wanting to see Lai Ching-te become president, followed by Ko Wen-je at 23.8% and Hou Yu-ih at 16.4%. Among committed supporters, 20.5% declared unwavering support for the Lai-Hsiao ticket, while Hou and Jaw received 20.0%, and Ko and Wu had 9.1%. However, 41.9% of voters did not pledge strong allegiance to any candidate. The poll, conducted from Nov. 24 to Nov. 28, 2023, used the Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) method and successfully interviewed 1,476 people with a 95% confidence level.
2023/11/29 21:15
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PFP Soong blames power struggle for Blue-White split
James Soong, chairman of the People First Party (PFP), attributed the fallout of the Blue-White alliance to politicking among power-hungry politicians. Soong dismissed criticism directed at Huang Shan-shan, campaign chief of Ko Wen-je’s Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), and questioned whether politicians truly prioritize the people’s issues. Soong criticized major parties in Taiwan, including the Kuomintang (KMT), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), TPP, and his own PFP, for not reflecting on whether they truly listen to the voices and interests of the populace. He expressed skepticism about the presidential nomination processes of other parties, suggesting they prioritize replacing each other rather than the welfare of the people. Soong emphasized that the PFP has always prioritized public affairs and prided itself on not placing party interests above the public’s welfare. These claims by Soong highlight the challenges of uniting against the ruling administration as the opposition parties navigate the upcoming elections.
2023/11/29 20:25
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TAO spokesperson denies Beijing election meddling claims
The spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), Chen Binhua, denied allegations of Beijing interfering in Taiwan’s elections during a press conference. Chen dismissed the claims made by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as baseless rumors and accused the ruling party in Taiwan of misleading the electorate. Taiwan’s national security agencies have repeatedly warned about interference from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as the country prepares for the 2024 presidential election. In recent investigations, members of the "Union of Chinese Nationalists" in Kaohsiung were accused of accepting funds from the TAO for political activities in mainland China. The association is suspected of promoting specific political views and pan-blue support during their travels. The Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office has summoned 22 members for investigation, including individuals named Cheng and Ye, who are accused of violating Taiwan’s Anti-Infiltration Act and Public Officials Election and Recall Act. They have been released on bail with travel restrictions pending further investigation.
2023/11/29 14:12
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TPP surges to lead in Taiwan polls, edging out KMT and DPP
The latest survey by the Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation (TPOF) reveals that the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) has become the largest party in Taiwan, with a support rate of 25.3%. This puts them slightly ahead of the Kuomintang (KMT) at 24.8% and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) at 24.5%. The TPP has experienced a significant increase in support, rising by 8.3% in the past month, while the DPP and KMT have seen declines of 2.6% and 1.7% respectively. TPOF chairman Michael You emphasized that this poll marks a historic first in Taiwan’s party politics, with less than one percentage point separating the three parties. This development signifies a remarkable evolution in the political landscape. The TPP has benefitted the most from the "Blue-White alliance," which has been seeking a change in ruling parties. With the 2024 presidential election still over a month away, Taiwan’s party competition has entered an unprecedented phase where the three parties are on equal footing. Other political parties such as the New Power Party (NPP) and Taiwan Statebuilding Party (TSP) received 2.9% and 1% support respectively, with 1.8% for other minor parties. Approximately 19.1% of respondents did not express support for any party, while 0.7% were undecided or refused to answer. The survey, conducted from November 19-21, used a dual-frame random sampling method encompassing both landlines and mobile phones.
2023/11/26 14:14
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TPP’s Vivian Huang makes history as top legislator-at-large
The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) has made history in Taiwan’s presidential elections by positioning its campaign manager, Vivian Huang, as the top non-constituency legislator-at-large candidate. This unprecedented move has raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest, as Huang holds the power to nominate while also being involved in the election game. Legislator Chuang Jui-hsiung of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) highlighted Huang’s appointment as a reflection of her close rapport with TPP’s presidential candidate Ko Wen-je and her understanding of the Kuomintang’s (KMT) campaign strategies. Huang’s previous engagement with the KMT provides her with intimate knowledge of the opposition’s tactics, allowing her to preemptively contest any strategic moves. As the presidential candidacies were solidified, attention has turned to the election strategies of the major parties, with Huang’s multiple duties generating scrutiny. Her readiness to counteract tactics demonstrates the intensifying nature of Taiwan’s elections as parties prepare for a fierce battle, where alliances and poll maneuvers could have a significant impact.
2023/11/25 16:37
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Terry Gou’s election exit eases Foxconn, Apple Inc. concerns
Foxconn founder Terry Gou has stepped out of the election race, potentially benefiting the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and providing relief to both Foxconn and Apple Inc. Gou’s withdrawal has reassured Foxconn’s leadership team, while his potential candidacy was seen as potentially complicating matters for Apple. Gou and actress Tammy Lai had secured the necessary endorsements to qualify for the race but faced allegations of bribery and data-buying during the campaign. After failed collaborations between the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), Gou chose to withdraw, stating it was for the future of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and to facilitate a political power transition. Gou’s previous poll support was below 10 percent, and concerns had arisen regarding Foxconn’s operations in China, though the Chinese government imposed only a minor penalty, easing concerns within Foxconn.
2023/11/25 16:32
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Hou Yu-ih slams Ko Wen-je for TPP-KMT pact ambiguity
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih criticizes Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) counterpart Ko Wen-je for lukewarm collaboration efforts, calling it a betrayal despite KMT’s efforts to maintain good relations. Hou and KMT legislative candidate Lu Yu-ling inaugurate joint campaign headquarters, attended by KMT’s vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong. Hou questions Ko’s interpretation of a previously signed six-point agreement, emphasizing unity and discipline within the KMT. Amid scrutiny over Jaw’s retention of his chairman position at the Broadcasting Corporation of China (BCC), Hou assures that it will be handled according to the law. Jaw states he has ceased radio show activities and requested leave from BCC, willing to comply with National Communications Commission (NCC) requirements. Jaw also accuses ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of funding pro-green media outlets, denouncing it as collusion between politics and the media.
2023/11/25 14:37
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Hou Yu-ih invites Jaw Shaw-kong to presidential ticket
Kuomintang presidential hopeful Hou Yu-ih announces Jaw Shaw-kong as the vice-presidential candidate. The KMT and TPP failed to form an alliance, intensifying campaign efforts for the 2024 election against the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.
2023/11/24 16:56
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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