Taiwan election: Candidate Ke Chih-en denies rival's claims of US assets, family

Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Ke Chih-en on Sunday refuted accusations from rival Lai Jui-lung that her children and assets are located in the United States. Ke, a member of the Kuomintang (KMT), labeled the claims as baseless election smear tactics and questioned Lai's decision to bring family matters into the campaign.

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Are you sure you want to discuss family members?

Lai, representing the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), had previously stated that Ke supports a "one China" policy aligned with Beijing, citing her family's presence in the U.S. as evidence. He questioned her suitability to be mayor of Kaohsiung if she supports such a stance.

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The claims about assets in the United States are completely fabricated.

Ke firmly denied the allegations regarding her assets, emphasizing that her finances are transparent and declared according to law. She asserted that her children grew up and were educated in Taiwan, fulfilling their civic duties, and later pursued opportunities abroad, a common path for many young Taiwanese. Ke also pointed out the double standard, asking why Lai had not questioned President Lai Ching-te or former President Tsai Ing-wen's family members living or working in the U.S.

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Dragging family into an election campaign is the cheapest and most incompetent operation.

Ke stressed that the mayoral race should focus on policy and governance, not personal attacks. She reiterated her consistent stance on national identity, stating, "I am Taiwanese, and more importantly, a citizen of the Republic of China." She vowed not to attack opponents' families, maintaining it as a fundamental principle.

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I am Taiwanese, and more importantly, a citizen of the Republic of China!