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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Elections & Politics

Taiwan election: Ko Chih-en responds to 'One China' question

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • KMT Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en was questioned about her stance on the "One China" principle by DPP candidate Lai Jui-lung.
  • Lai accused Ko of supporting a "pro-China" stance aligned with KMT Chairwoman Jaw Shaw-kong.
  • Ko responded by stating her consistent position that "The Republic of China is a sovereign and independent country."

A heated exchange occurred during a political event in Kaohsiung when Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) mayoral candidate Lai Jui-lung directly questioned his opponent, Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Ko Chih-en, about her support for the "One China" principle. The confrontation took place while Ko was attending a temple event.

Do you support 'One China'?

— Lai Jui-lungDirectly questioning Ko Chih-en's political stance on cross-strait relations.

Lai Jui-lung accused KMT Chairwoman Jaw Shaw-kong of adopting a "pro-China" stance, aligning with Beijing's "One China" principle. He suggested that KMT candidates, including Ko, were under pressure to support this line, which he believes is unacceptable to the Taiwanese people. Lai specifically challenged Ko, noting her family's ties to the United States and her assets there, questioning her choice to support Jaw's "One China" policy while seeking to represent Kaohsiung.

Our position is consistent and clear: 'The Republic of China is a sovereign and independent country!'

— Ko Chih-enResponding to Lai Jui-lung's question about the 'One China' principle.

Ko Chih-en firmly rejected Lai's accusations, reiterating her consistent political position. "The Republic of China is a sovereign and independent country," she stated, adding that the ROC Constitution clearly defines the nation's sovereignty and identity. Ko criticized Lai, a legislator, for his apparent lack of understanding of the constitution, calling it "eye-opening."

Lai Jui-lung, as a legislator, has a lack of understanding of the constitution, which is eye-opening.

— Ko Chih-enCriticizing Lai Jui-lung's grasp of constitutional matters.

Furthermore, Ko pointed out the international community, including the United States, adheres to a "One China Policy." She questioned whether Lai would apply the same standard to international realities or if he selectively applies his scrutiny. Ko accused the DPP of habitually using ideological attacks and labeling opponents during elections, thereby losing public trust. She urged Lai to focus on Kaohsiung's municipal affairs and citizens' needs rather than engaging in "political mudslinging" that masks their own perceived emptiness.

The DPP has long operated by manipulating ideology and labeling opponents in elections, and has long lost the trust of society.

— Ko Chih-enAccusing the DPP of resorting to divisive political tactics.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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