Foxconn billionaire Terry Gou announces Taiwan presidential bid
China considers Taiwan its territory, to be taken one day by force if necessary.
President Tsai Ing-wen, who is wrapping up her second and final term, refuses to accept that position and Beijing has ramped up diplomatic and military pressure on Taiwan since she came into office in 2016.
“The Democratic Progressive Party has been in power for more than seven years, and it has brought the danger of war to Taiwan,” Gou said Monday, referring to Tsai’s party.
He said he would “never let Taiwan become the next Ukraine”, referring to Russia’s ongoing invasion.
But Gou’s Foxconn has built huge factories in China, and critics have alleged that he has a cosy relationship with the leadership in Beijing.
In 2019, he stepped down as Foxconn’s chief for a failed presidential run.
When asked on Monday about his links to the Chinese government given Foxconn’s extensive investments in the mainland, Gou said he has not been involved in the firm’s management for four years.
“I have never been under the control of (the Chinese Communist Party) … I will not be threatened,” he told reporters.
Taiwan will hold a presidential election in January next year.
Vice President William Lai Ching-te – who is a member of President Tsai Ing-wen’s Democratic Progressive Party – is the current frontrunner.
Source: CNA