Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan’s former envoy to the United States, has officially declared her candidacy for vice president in the upcoming 2024 election. She will be running alongside William Lai, the current vice president. Hsiao, known for her active social media presence, is also popular with younger voters and has been involved in promoting the DPP’s pro-Taiwan stance.
Hsiao’s candidacy comes as the opposition parties appear to be in disarray just days before the November 24 candidate registration deadline. Last week, there were talks of cooperation between KMT candidate Hou You-ih and independent Taiwan People’s Party candidate Ko Wen-je, but the plan was ultimately abandoned.
Ko, the former mayor of Taipei, appeals to voters looking for an alternative to the two-party dominated political system, while Hou, a former policeman and mayor, offers stability as a candidate from the KMT, known for its relationship with Beijing. Meanwhile, billionaire Terry Gou, the founder of iPhone maker Foxconn, is running as an independent candidate.
The election is set for January, and Hsiao’s formal registration as a candidate for vice president has further solidified the political landscape leading up to the event.