Safeguarding Taiwan’s sovereignty was front and center as Taiwan’s three presidential candidates presented their platforms for the first time together on television.
Incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen from the DPP shared the stage with Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu of the KMT and People First Party Chairman James Soong.
"Long live the ROC! Long live the ROC! Long live the ROC! I hope you say it boldly, otherwise please shout out ‘Taiwan independence," said Han.
That was KMT presidential candidate Han Kuo-yu. And the response from his main rival, President Tsai Ing-wen?
"Earlier this year, China proposed the ‘one country, two systems’ formula for Taiwan. While the whole country was upset about it, Mayor Han visited China’s liaison office in Hong Kong, giving the impression [he supports the formula]. [KMT] legislator-at-large candidates make the public uneasy, and that’s why young people feel hopeless about the country’s future," said Tsai.
PFP Chairman James Soong promised to put the country on the right track.“When I take office, I will make things right. Independence and unification are both impossible in the next four years," said Soong.
Soong has positioned himself as a third option to the two main parties. He urged the two parties to remain calm so as not to put Taiwan’s democracy to shame.
"I feel very strongly today… that I’m proud to be Taiwanese and that Taiwan can have such a democratic and open [event], allowing [people] to express different views on TV," said Soong.
News Source：RTI
Editor：Paula Chao
