TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je clarified on Wednesday (Jan. 3) that past remarks questioning the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) apparent favor towards his Kuomintang (KMT) rival, Hou Yu-ih, as well as the subject of small donations from Taiwanese businessmen in China to the KMT were merely inquiries, not accusations.
Hou took offense to Ko's previous statements and said a day earlier that Ko, along with similar remarks made by the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential candidate, Lai Ching-te, amounted to "smearing" tactics.
Hou also reiterated his stance of opposing interference from foreign forces in Taiwan's elections.
During his interview, Hou lobbed accusations of his own, alleging property-related irregularities against both Ko and Lai, an implication suggesting potential illicit or unethical behavior.
In response, Ko reiterated that he was only asking why the CCP seemed to have a special regard for Hou.
As for the property issues raised by Hou, Ko expressed his unwillingness to discuss them, noting a sense of confusion about Hou's statements.