Taiwan's people must decide whether to continue on the path to democracy or "walk into the embrace of China" in next year's election, the frontrunner for the next president said on Tuesday.
The issue of China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, looms big ahead of the presidential and legislative elections on January 13, especially since Beijing has increased military pressure on the island.
Lai Ching-te, vice president and presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has led most surveys before of the election. The DPP advocates for Taiwan's unique liberal democratic administration, apart from the mainland system.
After originally agreeing to work together, the major opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), which typically favors tight connections with Beijing, is involved in a debate with the smaller Taiwan People's Party (TPP) about which of their candidates should run as president and which as vice president.
Mr. Lai told reporters and supporters after formally declaring his candidacy with the election commission that Taiwan's security was a global issue and that the entire world was watching this election.
“The people of Taiwan have to choose between trusting Taiwan, allowing Taiwan to continue to move forward on the road of democracy, and relying on China, following the old path of the one-China principle, and walking into the embrace of China,” he said.
Beijing has insisted that Taipei agree that both sides of the Taiwan Strait are part of "one China," which the DPP-led government has rejected, claiming that only the people of the island can decide their destiny.
Mr. Lai named Taiwan's high-profile former de facto ambassador to the United States, Hsiao Bi-khim, as his running partner on Monday.
Ms. Hsiao, like Mr. Lai, is detested by Beijing, which has sanctioned her twice, most recently in April, claiming she is a "independence diehard."
In a post on its website late Monday, Chinese state television slammed the Lai-Hsiao duo, calling them "villains colluding together."
“Taiwan independence means war. The Lai-Hsiao independence double act will intensify cross-strait tensions and conflict,” it said.
Mr. Lai criticized China's concerns on Monday, calling them "further proof of Beijing's efforts to interfere in the election."
Mr. Lai, who was standing outside the electoral commission with Ms. Hsiao, expressed his confidence.
“We both deeply love this land, passionately love this country,” he added.
The deadline for voter registration is this Friday. When the opposition will register their candidates is unknown.
Vincent Chou, campaign manager for TPP presidential candidate and party chairman Ko Wen-je, told reporters on Tuesday that following more discussions with the KMT, it was "not an option" for Mr. Ko to be Hou Yu-ih's running mate.
“But if it’s a Ko-Hou ticket, then everyone can work for this,” Mr. Chou said.
In a separate occasion, Mr. Hou stated that he would "wait until the last moment" for Mr. Ko to make a choice on cooperation.
