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Lai Ching-te, the leading contender for Taiwan’s presidency, announced on Monday that Taipei’s former envoy to the United States will be his running mate in the upcoming election. China has openly criticized the diplomat, whom they consider a separatist. Lai, who is also the vice president and the presidential candidate for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), is ahead in most opinion polls.
Following her resignation earlier in the day, Lai’s running mate, Hsiao Bi-khim, expressed her shared values with Lai in defending Taiwan’s freedom and democracy. Hsiao, who served as Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the United States, is expected to bring robust diplomatic and security expertise to Lai’s ticket.
China’s condemnation of Hsiao highlights the tense relationship between Taiwan and China. The Chinese military recently carried out drills around Taiwan, citing a “serious warning against Taiwan independence separatist forces colluding with external forces to provoke.”
Efforts to form a joint ticket by Taiwan’s two main opposition parties have stalled, while the deadline to register presidential candidates with the election commission is quickly approaching. Lai expressed confidence in his “fully prepared and tested” team amid “turmoil” in the opposition camp.
Hsiao, born in Japan to a Taiwanese father and an American mother, emphasizes her Taiwanese identity by using an English spelling of her name based on its Taiwanese Hokkien pronunciation. She brings a unique perspective to Taiwanese politics.
The nomination of Hsiao as Lai’s running mate, together with their collective dedication to Taiwanese interests, reflects an ongoing struggle for Taiwan’s sovereignty amid increasing pressure from China. The two are set to bring a fresh, dynamic stance to Taiwan’s political landscape ahead of the election in January 2023.
