President tries to boost weak approval ratings ahead of November vote
Nikkei Asian Review
Date: July 16, 2018
By: Kensaku Ihara, Nikkei staff writer
TAIPEI — Taiwan’s momentum toward reform will be thwarted, President
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen speaks at a Democratic Progressive Party convention in Taipei. (Photo by Kensaku Ihara)
Tsai Ing-wen warned on Sunday, if the opposition party does well in November regional elections, which is the main skirmish before the 2020 general election.
“This is not just a regional election,” the party chief told a crowd of roughly 600 party officials and others at a convention of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party held at a hotel in Taipei. “This is a fight between reformers and anti-reformers.”
Appearing on stage with candidates, Tsai touted her party’s accomplishments, including pension reform that scaled back generous benefits for civil servants and others. She said that the opposition Kuomintang must not be allowed to win, warning that reforms will not come to pass if those opposed take power.
“And we cannot cave in to pressure from China,” she said in regards to cross-strait relations, which have been cool under her leadership. Tsai reiterated that Taiwan will deepen relations with such countries as the U.S. and Japan to deal with Beijing. [FULL STORY]
