TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The campaign spokesperson for Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, on Wednesday (Nov. 29) urged Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih to clarify his stance on allowing Chinese workers into Taiwan.
Chen Shih-kai's call for clarity comes in response to Hou's recent policy proposal advocating increased cross-strait exchanges, including a significant opening to Chinese tourists and students to study and work in Taiwan.
Chen voiced concerns that Hou's policy seems designed to help China mitigate its severe youth unemployment issues. He referenced Taiwan's weighted stock index surpassing Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index for the first time in 31 years, a milestone Chen termed "golden cross," to highlight Taiwan's robust economic strength.
In contrast, Chen pointed out that Hong Kong is experiencing capital flight and a declining stock market due to Chinese government control. He criticized China's lack of transparency in not publishing actual unemployment figures.
Chen emphasized Hou's proposal to welcome Chinese students seeking employment in Taiwan, questioning its impact on the local labor market and the job rights of Taiwanese youth. He underscored the importance of Taiwan's ongoing economic development and its integration with the global community. Chen stressed that Taiwan's future depends on its leadership choices.
Chen's remarks shed light on the DPP's position of prioritizing a strong local economy and labor market, while carefully considering the broader implications of cross-strait policies and their potential socioeconomic impacts.