Taiwan’s pro-independence former premier William Lai to challenge President Tsai Ing-wen
- Outspoken ‘independence worker’ says ‘Taiwan doesn’t want to be a second Hong Kong or Tibet’ as he seeks Democratic Progressive Party’s nomination
- Island’s relationship with mainland certain to take centre stage in next presidential election after challenge to incumbent
A former premier and vocal proponent of independence for Taiwan will challenge his former boss, President Tsai Ing-wen, for the ruling party’s nomination, ensuring the island’s tense relationship with the mainland China will be a central focus of the presidential campaign.
Former Premier William Lai Ching-te said on Monday that he would vie for the Democratic Progressive Party’s backing in the election slated for next year.
Lai – a former mayor of the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan who once described himself as an “independence worker” – resigned in January, weeks after the party suffered a resounding loss in local elections.
“Taiwan is facing a more precarious situation in the face of [mainland] China’s threats,” Lai said on Monday, after submitting his nomination application at DPP headquarters in Taipei.
“Taiwan doesn’t want to be a second Hong Kong or Tibet. The elections in 2020 are critical to Taiwan’s future.”
Tsai, who is almost three years into her first term, has said she plans to seek re-election despite receiving support of less than 30 per cent in most recent polls. Although Tsai stepped down as the DPP leader after losing several counties and cities to the more mainland-friendly Kuomintang opposition in November, she had so far faced no obvious challengers from within the party.