DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has chosen the current Taiwan representative to the U.S. Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) to be his vice presidential running mate, according to both CNA and Reuters citing sources with direct knowledge. According to the reports, Lai and Hsiao will make an official announcement on Monday. Lai’s campaign acknowledged that there would be an announcement on Monday, but declined to comment on Hsiao’s role.
The news comes just a day after the two main opposition candidates, the KMT’s Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) and the TPP’s Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), announced their intention to run on a cross-party presidential ticket. The joint ticket is expected to make the election a much tighter race.
The news also follows comments by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) on Wednesday that a Lai-Hsiao ticket would be a “double independence” ticket. Lai was asked about the TAO’s comments on Thursday, saying such comments are a blatant attempt to interfere in Taiwan’s elections. He says that China’s criticisms of his candidacy prove that he is doing the right thing. He adds that he and his campaign represent the group most able to ensure Taiwan’s national security and protect the interests of the Republic of China.