Vice President Lai Ching-te on Wednesday registered his candidacy in the DPP’s presidential primary. He is widely expected to be the only candidate in the primary, meaning he will very likely be the party’s presidential nominee. After registering his candidacy at the DPP headquarters, Lai said he hoped to get an opportunity to lead the country. He said he hoped to boost the economy, protect democracy, strengthen Taiwan’s defenses and maintain peace.
Accompanied by former Pingtung County Commissioner Pan Men-an, Vice President Lai Ching-te headed to the DPP headquarters on Wednesday to hand in a NT$5 million registration fee. He is now fully registered as a candidate in the DPP’s presidential primary.
Lai Ching-te
Vice president
Today I am signing up for the DPP presidential primary with a determined heart. I hope I can win the support of my comrades as well as the people of Taiwan.
Moments before his registration, reports had surfaced that Honduras is considering breaking ties with Taiwan to recognize Beijing. Lai commented on China’s constant attempts to erode Taiwan’s diplomatic ties.
Lai Ching-te
Vice president
Taiwan is located in a key spot along the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific. We are hit directly by China’s threats and its unscrupulous attempts to suppress our diplomatic space. China also threatens with a two-faced strategy of placation and intimidation. We must be united. I would like to have an opportunity to lead the country and unite our people. Let’s work together to boost our economy, to protect our democracy, to strengthen our national defense and to maintain peace.
As a baseball fan and with the World Baseball Classic still ongoing, Lai said the people of Taiwan were like a team: Team Taiwan.
Lai Ching-te
Vice president
We are all Team Taiwan. Let’s support Taiwan, and work hard together to make Taiwan be the MVP of democracies.
This will be Lai Ching-te’s second time running in the DPP’s presidential primary. Unlike in 2019, when he was up against President Tsai Ing-wen, this time, he is almost certain to get the nomination. With registration for the primary ending on Friday and no other candidates yet registered, it’s looking like sure victory.
