A Bridge Too Far?

*  Foxconn Founder, and one-time KMT presidential hopeful, Terry Gou returned to Taipei following a two-day private visit to Japan with his family. Though short, the trip was aimed to "cool down" Gou's displeasure with the KMT over its nomination process. In fact, during his absence, a number of news reports came out and seemingly indicated that the party central, under Chairman Eric Chu, had preferred New Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi from the beginning. In addition, as a political outsider, many were apprehensive that Gou would be as strong as Hou in leading the islandwide campaign for the Legislative Yuan (LY), besides the presidency itself.

* It remains to be seen over how Gou would respond to the various speculations and reports. It is believed that he'll launch a week-long tour around the island to thank the KMT rand-and-file and stay politically relevant as the 2024 campaign heats up. On the other hand, he has not publicly declined being on the same ticket with Hou, though the prospects are not particularly bright. It will be a few weeks before the dust settles on Gou being Hou's running mate.

* Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman and former Taipei Mayor Ke Wen-je presents another option for Gou, whether on the presidential ticket with Ke or collaborate in the upcoming campaign. If and when that happens, however, Gou could be under criticism for going back on his earlier pledge of supporting Hou's presidential bid. If Gou wants to remain in the political sector, it is advisable that he takes his next step very carefully.