Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jeff Liu (劉永健) on Thursday highlighted China's attempts to interfere in Taiwan’s past elections to sway results. Liu’s remarks came in response to inquiries from the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) regarding the potential of China's involvement in the collaboration between TPP candidate Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) and the KMT’s Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) on a joint ticket.
The United States has repeatedly expressed concerns about Chinese interference in Taiwan’s elections. Liu says that China’s interference includes military and economic coercion, spreading fake news, manipulating polls, and other means. He says the government is aware of it and is responding appropriately.
AIT says that the U.S. will not choose sides in Taiwan's elections and is committed to treating all candidates fairly. It says the U.S. has full confidence in Taiwan's democratic system and electoral process and that its policy towards Taiwan will remain unchanged despite the ruling party. AIT added that the U.S. looks forward to working with whatever leader Taiwanese voters elect in 2024.