Meet Taiwan’s VP, presidential candidates of 2024: Who said what?
To paint a more nuanced picture of Taiwanese society, I strung together a trilogy of family tales based on the real-life history of the three vice presidential candidates of Taiwan’s 2024 general elections. But what are their beliefs and concerns today?
On the eve before voting day, I’ve profiled the Taiwan People’s Party vice presidential candidate Cynthia Wu (吳欣盈), 45, and her running mate Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), 64; the Democratic Progressive Party’s Bi-khim Hsiao (蕭美琴), 52, and William Lai (賴清德), 64; and the Chinese Nationalist Party’s Jaw Shau-kong (趙少康), 73, and Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜), 66.
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TPP PICK FOR VEEP: CYNTHIA WU
‘I’ve seen my whole life how economic and diplomatic issues go hand in hand… So, moving from a commercial background into politics doesn’t actually feel like a change of career, just a different track on the way to realizing some of my ideals.’ (Radio Free Asia, 2023)
Credentials
MA, The Courtauld Institute of Art
BA in International Relations and BA in Art History, Wellesley College
Investment Management Certificate, UK
Life Insurance Salesperson Registration Card, Taiwan
World Economic Forum Global Young Leaders
China’s 100 Outstanding Women Entrepreneurs
Experience
Member, Legislative Yuan Transportation Committee
Member, Taiwan People’s Party Legislative Yuan Caucus
CEO, Shin Kong Life Foundation
Vice President, Shin Kong Life Insurance Co.
Director, Taiwan Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Chief Planning Officer, Shin Kong Talent Training Project, Lee Kuan Yew University
Investment Analyst, Merrill Lynch Asset Management, London
Parliamentary Assistant to Peter Riley, Deputy Leader of the British Conservative Party
Director, Institute For Philanthropy
A mother with multiple roles
Wu once held dual U.S. and Taiwanese citizenships but renounced her U.S. citizenship in 2014, and has been considered a surprising choice [for Ko’s running mate] by many in Taiwan, who saw her as more of a business heiress and “princess” unfit for the cut-and-thrust of political life.
Asked if she was a “princess,” Wu replied: “Why only label me as one thing? I’m also a mother, an insurance salesperson, I hold a financial analyst certificate issued in London, and I’m also a person who loves Taiwan.” (Radio Free Asia, 2023)
Identifies with both sides of the strait
Wu has been accused of being part of the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front outreach and influence operation, after being named among “China’s 100 Outstanding Women Entrepreneurs” in 2010.
Asked at the time if she was Chinese or Taiwanese, Wu told journalists that she was both.
“Chinese culture is in my DNA,” Wu told Radio Free Asia. “I am a citizen of the Republic of China, but my ancestors are also from China.” (Radio Free Asia, 2023)
Compares Xi Jinping to uncontrollable ‘weather’
Asked if she believed Chinese President Xi Jinping when he said there was no timetable for invading Taiwan by force, Wu replied: “Taiwan can’t put its future in the hands of a single person and their decisions.”
“The more international connections Taiwan has, the safer it will be,” she said, likening Xi’s intentions to “the weather” over which Taiwanese have no control.
“Regardless of what the weather is doing, we can’t leave our fate up to other people,” Wu said. (Radio Free Asia, 2023)
Assets declared
One plot of land in New Taipei and a property in the United Kingdom, a Mini Cooper car, NT$2.5 million in bank deposits, securities valued at NT$36.71 million, a set of sapphire jewelry worth NT$8 million and two life insurance policies, while carrying a debt of NT$9.9 million. (Focus Taiwan, 2023)
What she said at the televised debate
[Wu] said that she’s the only candidate among the three who has hands-on financial experience. Wu believes that her experience working at her family’s company has won her global recognition and that her party, the TPP, is offering something more practical than bipartisanship. (RTI, 2024)
TPP PICK FOR PRESIDENT: KO WEN-JE
‘Ko, 64, who has claimed an IQ of 157, has a fondness for medical metaphors on the campaign trail, and once referred to an opponent as ‘less capable than an amoeba.’’ (Radio Free Asia, 2023)
Credentials
Ph.D., Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University
Bachelor of Medicine, National Taiwan University
Experience
Founder, Taiwan People’s Party
Director, Department of Traumatology, National Taiwan University
Professor, School of Medicine, National Taiwan University
Physician, Emergency Department of National Taiwan University Hospital
Taiwan’s organ transplant forerunner
Born in Hsinchu, Ko began his working life as an emergency and intensive care physician at National Taiwan University Hospital, studying organ transplants in the United States before setting up a transplant team at his hospital, and significantly improving survival rates with his use of ECMO machines.
He quit medicine after an organ was mistakenly transplanted into a patient from an HIV-positive donor, announcing he would run for Taipei mayor in 2014, eventually winning the election with the second highest number of votes ever received. (Radio Free Asia, 2023)
Bussed to work as Taipei mayor
Lawmaker Tsai Pi-ru, a nurse at Ko’s hospital who later became his chief of staff in the Taipei municipal government, said: “He doesn’t beat around the bush … and if he says something wrong, he apologizes — the only person in Taiwan politics who does that.” (Radio Free Asia, 2023)
“He apologizes, seeks to do better, and moves on,” she said, adding that Ko also has a reputation for straight-dealing, and for a formidable work ethic that sees him taking the bus to work at city hall, starting his day at 7.30 a.m., before hosting a lunch party every day at noon. (Radio Free Asia, 2023)
A fan of Mao Zedong and ‘palace intrigue’
“The biggest issue is Ko’s dictatorial personality,” A said [anonymously as an ex-TPP activist]. “His idols include Mao Zedong and the Yongzheng Emperor.”
“He often refers to himself with the royal ‘we’, as if he’s the emperor,” A said, adding that Ko favors divide and rule politics and “palace intrigue.”
Ko also gives favorable treatment to his family members within the party, A said, describing them as “nobles of the court,” while everyone else is expected to be “fans and believers.” (Radio Free Asia, 2023)
Assets declared
Nine plots of land and six properties in Taipei, Hsinchu City, and Penghu County, with total bank deposits of NT$24.6 million, NT$950,000 worth of fund benefit certificates, and seven life insurance savings policies. (Focus Taiwan, 2023)
What he said at the televised debate
During the debate, Ko said that the long-term domination of Taiwanese politics by the DPP and KMT had culminated in “fractures across races, communities, and the nation.” He vowed to bring about “social harmony, political reconciliation, and cross-strait peace” for Taiwan. (HKFP, 2024)
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DPP PICK FOR VEEP: BI-KHIM HSIAO
‘I think the Taiwanese people are very innovative people. We are actually a pioneer society, it’s kind of [an] immigrants’ society. Since early 90s, we’ve been welcoming immigrants from Southeast Asia. You know, new young society in a sense be more flexible towards change. They also tend to be more creative and innovative in order to [facilitate] the survival and creation of new society.’ (Asia Society, Rutgers University Libraries, 2009)
Credentials
MA in Political Science, Columbia University
BA in East Asian Studies, Oberlin College
Cat mom
Experience
Taiwan’s Representative to the United States
Legislator, 5th, 6th, 8th, and 9th Legislative Yuan
Department Chief, Department of International Affairs, DPP
Advisor, Office of the President, ROC
Secretary General, Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD)
Advisor, Mainland Affairs Council, Executive Yuan
Deputy Executive, New Frontier Foundation
Director, Taiwan Foundation for Democracy
Deputy Chair, Liberal International (LI)
Chair, Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF)
Director, Association for the Friends of Hsiao Bi-khim
Director General, Hello Hualien Association
Self-proclaimed ‘cat warrior’
A political veteran, Hsiao, 52, came up with her own nickname when she was sent to Washington — with her four cats — in 2020.
The moniker was her response to Beijing’s aggressive “wolf warrior” style diplomacy, which was becoming increasingly combative at that time. Like a cat, Taiwan’s diplomacy would be agile, flexible and comfortable in narrow spaces, she said. The animals are lovable but also independent. (The Guardian, 2024)
On the American status quo
Another reality is that America maintains a one-China policy, but it is different from China’s one-China principle. The U.S.’ one-China policy includes a commitment to Taiwan’s security, such as the recently declassified Six Assurances. These have been an important foundation for American policy toward Taiwan and its arms sales and security support for decades.
It would be very difficult to bring about a major change to this status quo in the current international strategic environment, but we hope to maximize existing opportunities and push for more interaction. (CommonWealth, 2021)
Hopes for a more democratic China
“I think the existence of Taiwan and the strength of our democracy is actually very important leverage in terms of promoting some kind of political liberalization within China. […] We also believe that a more democratic China might be willing to respect the wishes of the people of Taiwan. And therefore it would be in our interests to see a more democratic China. It’s not only a matter of values and principles but a matter of our national survival and interests.” (Asia Society, Rutgers University Libraries, 2009)
Assets declared
One plot of land and seven properties in New Taipei, a Toyota and a Kuozui car, NT$15 million in bank deposits, benefit certificates valued at NT$2.7 million, five life insurance policies, and a housing loan of NT$1.69 million. (Focus Taiwan, 2023)
What she said at the televised debate
Hsiao said the DPP has led Taiwan with policies that made the country a key player in the global supply chain, shaping a stronger and more active Taiwan. In her remarks, Hsiao also emphasized that the government has raised the minimum wage and elevated Taiwan’s competitiveness by making the right calls. (RTI, 2024)
DDP PICK FOR PRESIDENT: WILLIAM LAI CHING-TE
‘Born in present-day New Taipei, Lai was brought up by his mother alongside five siblings after his father died in a coal mine disaster when he was 2.’ (Nikkei, 2024)
Credentials
BS, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University
Post-Bachelor Program in Medical Science, National Cheng Kung University
Master of Public Health, Harvard University
Experience
Vice President of Taiwan
Premier, Executive Yuan
Mayor of Tainan
Legislator, Legislative Yuan
Co-Chairman, Sanitation and Environment Committee, 4th and 5th Legislative Yuan
Co-Chairman, Social Welfare Committee, 4th and 5th Legislative Yuan
Co-Chairman, The Judiciary Committee, 5th Legislative Yuan
Co-Chairman, The Procedure Committee, 6th Legislative Yuan
Whip of DPP Caucus, 6th Legislative Yuan
President, Health, Welfare and Environment Foundation, Legislative Yuan
Member, 3rd National Assembly
Visitor, International Visitor Program, US Department of State, 2004
Adviser, National Teachers’ Association, ROC
Adviser, Spinal Cord Injury Association of Tainan City
Doctor in Charge, Nephrology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital
Doctor in Charge, Nephrology, Sin Lau Hospital, The Presbyterian Church of Taiwan
Successor to Tsai Ing-wen’s status quo
“We don’t wish for war and we won’t start one ourselves,” Lai said. “But by not fearing war and making preparations during peacetime, this prevents war, and we can have peace.”
The Tsai administration has trumpeted a policy of maintaining the cross-strait status quo in which it will not accept unification with China, while also not making any moves toward independence. Lai indicated that he would follow Tsai’s approach if he wins. (Yomiuri Shimbun, 2023)
Open to conditional dialogue with China
While coming across as having a resolute attitude toward Beijing, Lai also said the window for dialogue was not closed. Provided that talks were conducted in conditions that were “on equal terms and respectful,” he said he would not reject “exchanges and cooperation” with China. He cited dealing with infectious diseases and responding to natural disasters as examples of common issues that Taiwan and China face.
“Cooperating and tackling these issues together would be to the advantage of our citizens,” Lai said. (Yomiuri Shimbun, 2023)
Considers Japan ‘family’
Lai said he valued good relations with Japan. He touched on support Japan and Taiwan had provided each other, such as the assistance Japan extended after a powerful earthquake struck southern Taiwan in 2016, and Tokyo’s provision of vaccines and Taipei’s shipments of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A friend in need is a friend indeed,” Lai said. “Taiwan and Japan are like a family.” (Yomiuri Shimbun, 2023)
Assets declared
A plot of land and a property in Tainan, a Toyota car, a bank deposit with NT$2.15 million (US$68,000) and 13 life insurance savings policies, as well as a housing loan worth NT$13.86 million. (Focus Taiwan, 2023)
What he said at the televised debate
“The world is watching Taiwanese people’s choice between democracy and autocracy; the international community knows very well that only Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim could stand shoulder-to-shoulder and walk with democratic allies.” (HKFP, 2024)
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KMT PICK FOR VEEP: JAW SHAU-KONG
(alternative spellings include Jaw Shaw-kong, Chao Shao-kang)
‘Times change too quickly, and you discover that originally you were progressive, but how could you suddenly become backward in a flash? Originally a reformist, and suddenly a conservative! […] A political person’s greatest challenge is his own record, and in fact he is competing with his own record. Perhaps one day you will discover you can’t keep up with the times, and you can only move to retire.’ (Taiwan Panorama, 1992)
Credentials
Bachelor’s degree, Agricultural Engineering, National Taiwan University
Master’s degree, Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University
Experience
Co-Chairman, Broadcasting Corp of China
Talk Show Host, TVBS Situation Room
Columnist, Apple Daily
Founder, UFO Radio
Candidate, 1994 Taipei City Mayoral Election
Co-founder, New Party
Director, Environmental Protection Administration (EPA)
Legislator, Legislative Yuan
Councilor, Taipei City Council
Aims to reform the KMT
“Young people don’t have a good impression of the KMT. What does that have to do with me? I left the KMT 30 years ago and was dissatisfied with the KMT long before you were,” he told the students [of National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology].
Jaw extended this distinction to KMT presidential hopeful Hou Yu-ih, asserting their singularity [as reformers]. (TVBS, 2024)
Prone to slips of tongue
He has been prone to slips of the tongue lately, including during the CEC policy presentation on Dec. 22, when he said, “Lai Ching-te will definitely make the best future president,” calling out the candidate of the rival DPP instead of his own party presidential hopeful Hou Yu-ih.
At a Taichung campaign event on Dec. 23, in an even more startling misstep, he referred to former KMT chairman Johnny Chiang as a “terrorist of peace for Taiwan,” which was supposed to refer to DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te. (TVBS, 2023)
Sees the VP as a ‘backup role’
Jaw stated that while the vice president is a backup role and he is open to not being consulted on decisions, he hopes that Hou would be receptive to good advice. He stressed that while the vice-presidential campaign should be as rigorous as the presidential one, once elected, adherence to the constitution and laws is paramount. (TVBS, 2023)
Assets declared
Three plots of land and 12 properties in Taipei and New Taipei, NT$79 million in bank deposits, stocks valued at NT$33.4 million and a housing loan of NT$47 million. (Focus Taiwan, 2023)
What he did at the televised debate
In the middle of his remarks, Jaw announced that he is resigning* from the Broadcasting Corporation of China, a radio broadcasting company founded by the KMT in 1928. He said if he becomes the vice president, he will not take a salary and will make the residential building a public housing for youth. (RTI, 2024)
* Note: The status of Jaw’s resignation is in limbo — the National Communication Commission (NCC) has yet to receive the formal paperwork required for him to step down.
KMT PICK FOR PRESIDENT: HOU YU-IH
‘As a policeman, Hou would go face-to-face with criminals in life-and-death struggles, requiring agility and the need to bring a suspect down within three minutes to avoid exhaustion. As with pigs, a key tactic was cutting the legs out from under the suspect and then quickly tying them up, leaving Hou’s human quarry as immobile as the pigs he once chased.’ (CommonWealth, 2020)
Credentials
Department of Criminal Investigation, Central Police University
Credited for capturing wanted murderer Chen Chin-hsing (陳進興) in 1997
Credited for leading the police raid on publisher Nylon Cheng (鄭南榕) in 1989
Experience
Mayor of New Taipei
Deputy Mayor, New Taipei
President, Central Police University
Director-General, National Police Agency
Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Bureau, National Police Agency
Raised by the Republic of China
Hou often says he has been raised by the state, which is why he regards the Republic of China as his “second mother.” During his time at the police school, Hou did not have to worry about his livelihood. But he was also always awarded prizes for perfect attendance. This entailed not only showing up all the time but also displaying impeccable behavior, such as folding your duvet into a perfect cube. (CommonWealth, 2023)
Promises to deliver
Hou is turning his civil service career, the perceived disadvantage, into a selling point, positioning himself as a different breed of leader. “I have risen from the bottom of the hierarchy as an ordinary civil servant through practice and experience; I am not a political figure,” he declares. What does that mean? “Everyone can make promises, but I will deliver on what I promise,” he says. (CommonWealth, 2023)
Eager for dialogue with Beijing
“The peace mechanism cannot be completed in a day; it must start with low-level dialogue and gradually progress. Cross-strait relations cannot return to the era of the Ma Ying-jeou government immediately. After all, after eight years, both the mainland and Taiwan have changed. However, dialogue must begin.” (CommonWealth, 2023)
Assets declared
Two plots of land and three properties in Taipei and Chiayi County, with bank savings of NT$39.58 million, bonds totaling NT$4.03 million, and three life insurance savings policies. (Focus Taiwan, 2023)
What he said at the televised debate
“No Taiwan independence, no One Country, Two Systems,” Hou said during the televised debate. “Steadfastly defend freedom and the democratic system. Taiwan’s future is decided by its 23 million residents.” (HKFP, 2024)
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Overview of their respective policies on labor, housing, childcare, social welfare, energy, education, cross-strait, and defense and foreign relations:
Live coverage of the Jan. 13 elections: TaiwanPlus, Focus Taiwan, CEC
Go vote if you can — here’s my primer on what to bring to your local polling station.
