TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih proposed a pro-U.S. and China diplomatic stance on Thursday (Dec. 7), diverging from incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen's approach.
Speaking on the heels of Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je's statement a day earlier suggesting that he would follow Tsai's diplomatic path but with a friendlier approach to cross-strait relations, Hou criticized Tsai's foreign affairs and cross-strait policies.
Hou blamed the Tsai administration for Taiwan's diplomatic isolation, failure to join regional economic bodies and lack of communication with China.
Hou insisted on adhering to the Constitution of the Republic of China, stressing the nation's sovereignty, and proposing a balanced stance between fostering solid ties with the United States and engaging with Mainland China to enhance mutual understanding.
He also emphasized that Taiwan must be prepared and realistic about its defense, suggesting that the island's security should not rely solely on promises from the US but on its efforts and pragmatic relations with democratic allies.
Jaw Shau-kong, another political commentator, fiercely criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for being pro-US and anti-China, deeming Tsai's policies on cross-strait relations and international diplomacy a complete failure.
Jaw pointed out that despite Taiwan's willingness to import American pork, the support has yet to translate into the U.S. helping with Taiwan's entry into international organizations.