News analysis

Taiwan presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih wants to shake off KMT’s pro-Beijing image

Taiwan’s opposition presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih is currently hovering in second or third place in opinion polls. PHOTO: REUTERS
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TAIPEI – Taiwan’s opposition presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih wants the United States to know that his party, the Kuomintang (KMT), is not pro-Beijing.

Analysts say this is why he has placed so much emphasis on bolstering Taiwan’s defence capabilities in his cross-strait policy, even as he seeks to resume talks with Beijing.

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