Taiwan Independence Backer Challenges Tsai for Presidency
- Former Premier Lai Ching-te to seek ruling party nomination
- Candidacy ensures tense China ties stay at center of campaign
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A former premier and vocal proponent of independence for Taiwan will challenge his former boss, President Tsai Ing-wen, for the ruling party’s nomination, ensuring the island’s tense relationship with China will be a central focus of the presidential campaign.
Former Premier Lai Ching-te said in a text message on Monday that he would vie for the Democratic Progressive Party’s backing in the election slated for next year. Lai -- a former mayor of the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan who once described himself as an “independence worker” -- resigned in January, weeks after the party suffered a resounding loss in local elections.