Taiwan Today
Date: December 28, 2015
Candidates Eric Chu of the Kuomintang, Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic
The KMT’s Eric Chu (center), DPP’s Tsai Ing-wen (right) and PFP’s James Soong take part in the first televised presidential debate Dec. 27 in Taipei City. (CNA)
Progressive Party and James Soong of the People First Party faced off in the first of two televised debates Dec. 27 for the upcoming 2016 ROC presidential election.
Issues covered by the three hopefuls included international relations, trade liberalization and cross-strait interactions. Chu proposed a three-pronged strategy to stimulate sustainable growth, vowing to expand the ROC’s international space by building on the foundation of improved ties between Taiwan and mainland China.
“Over the last seven years, the ruling KMT has made significant headway in cross-strait peace and stability in line with the 1992 consensus. The progress has led to the deepening of international cooperation spanning tourism, trade and people-to-people exchanges,” he said, citing the visa-free entry or other privileges now offered by 158 countries to ROC passport holders.
Additionally, Chu pledged to boost the nation’s global competitiveness while raising the minimum wage from NT$20,008 (US$610) to NT$30,000 in four years. He also plans to reform Taiwan’s taxation system so as to reduce wealth inequality in society. [FULL STORY]
