TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih criticized his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) counterpart, Lai Ching-te, on Sunday (Dec. 17) for allegedly lacking clarity on cross-strait economic and trade policies.
Speaking to supporters during the inauguration of his campaign headquarters in Taichung, he stressed the importance of maintaining trade relations with China. Hou added that Taiwan should not overlook the significant Chinese market while also diversifying its trade relations.
He emphasized that trade is about global positioning, accusing the DPP of not participating in major trade agreements, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
Hou pledged to actively pursue these agreements and strengthen Taiwan's regional economic standing, aiming to achieve what the DPP has not.
KMT vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong echoed these sentiments, citing Taiwan's restrictions on importing 2,509 products from mainland China as an example of unfair trade practices. He suggested the need for negotiations even while protecting Taiwan's agriculture and SMEs.
Jaw criticized the DPP for its lack of engagement with mainland China in recent years and its increased restrictions on Chinese imports, arguing that the KMT is better suited for cross-strait dialogues.