Taiwan is heading for its most open, yet unpredictable, presidential election — one that could have a dramatic impact on U.S.-China ties after Foxconn founder Terry Gou became the fourth candidate to enter the race, an entry likely to siphon support from other opposition candidates.
Announcing his intention Monday to run for the Taiwanese presidency, the tech billionaire pledged to bring Taiwan “back from the abyss” and unleashed attacks on the “corrupt and incompetent” government run by the Democratic Progressive Party, while reiterating a call for a grand alliance with the opposition to counter the DPP.
“I implore the people of Taiwan to give me four years. I promise that I will bring peace to the Taiwan Strait for the next 50 years and lay the deepest foundation of mutual trust between the two sides,” Gou said, adding that his policy priorities will focus on cross-strait peace, international relations, economic development and technological advancement.