Pro-China Foxconn Founder Terry Gou To Run For President Of Taiwan

Foxconn's billionaire founder, Terry Gou, announced his second attempt to run for the presidential nomination of Taiwan's opposition party, Kuomintang (KMT).

Gou left Foxconn in 2019 to run for president, but withdrew from the KMT nomination race due to his loss. The KMT has a history of favoring strong relationships with China.

After returning from a weeklong trip to the United States, Gou, in a conversation with reporters at Taoyuan airport's hotel, stated that decreasing tensions between China and the United States and removing Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) from office is the only way to prevent conflict with China.

Gou advised caution to the youth, warning that the DPP's endorsement of Taiwan independence and opposition to China makes voting for them risky.

The KMT has yet to select its presidential candidate for the January 2024 election. Mayor Hou Yu-ih of New Taipei City is currently seen as the leading contender.

China's military exercises near Taiwan are heightening tensions between Taipei and Beijing during the lead-up to the election.

KMT denies being pro-Beijing but favors good China relations, while DPP champions Taiwan's identity and offered talks with China, which were declined by China.

Gou apologized for leaving the KMT four years ago and stated the need to resolve the crisis that traditional politicians have failed to address.

"I'll unite nongreen camps and win the 2024 presidential race," he said, vowing to do his best if the KMT nominates him, alluding to the DPP's party colors.

Gou promised to support KMT front-runner Hou if he surpassed him in opinion polls.

The DPP must stop governing to prevent our children from living in a dangerous environment filled with guns and bullets.

William Lai, Taiwan's vice president, is the DPP's chosen candidate for the 2024 election.