Taiwan presidential candidates, from left to right: Ko Wen-je, front-runner Lai Ching-te and Hou Yu-ih. (Source photos by Reuters and AP)
TAIPEI — Taiwan’s leading opposition presidential candidate pledged to adopt a “middle way” that defends the island’s free and democratic system while working for dialogue with Beijing under the “One China” notion, in a televised debate on Saturday.
Kuomintang’s Hou Yu-ih said he opposes “Taiwan independence,” which refers to moves to officially declare Taiwan a sovereign nation separate from a Chinese polity. He also said he adheres to ideals of democracy and freedom.