Taiwan’s presidential election will be held early next year. One prominent member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has now officially announced he will run as a candidate.
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“Give me a chance to lead the country.” That’s what serving Vice President and DPP Party Chairman Lai Ching-te (賴淸德) is asking from the Taiwanese people. Lai officially announced his intention to run as DPP’s presidential candidate at a press conference on Wednesday.
Lai’s announcement comes the same day as the President of Honduras Xiomara Castro announced that she intends to seek official diplomatic relations with China. Lai had been sent to Honduras as a special envoy to meet with President Castro for her inauguration in early 2022, despite her campaign remarks that she would seek to recognize Beijing. Lai addressed the issue at his announcement, saying that although the will of Taiwan’s allies is wavering, his will is strong.
Lai has been a prominent politician in the DPP for some time, even running against incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen in the 2020 primary election. He later became her running mate. Lai may be the only DPP candidate in this year’s primary, as candidate registrations ends on Friday and there are currently no other contenders.
Lai said Taiwan’s key position in the first island chain means it must face China’s civil and military threats. He added that he hopes to make Taiwan the democratic world’s MVP.