Eric Chu

KMT Leadership Moves to Cut Influence of Veterans’ Branch in Major Internal Shake-Up

Brian Hioe
In a surprise move, the KMT has moved to demote the position of the Huang Fu-hsing and to integrate the Huang Fu-hsing into local KMT party chapters. Although the Huang Fu-hsing will become a “veterans service working committee" and be a second-tier part of the party, this is a move aimed at undercutting the power of what has sometimes been termed a “party within a party”...
EnglishMarch 2024Politics7 min read

KMT Party Congress Reaffirms Hou’s Nomination, But In-Fighting Continues

Brian Hioe
The KMT party congress took place yesterday at the Banqiao Stadium in New Taipei. There were few surprises at the party congress, with KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih officially confirmed as the party’s candidate. There has been speculation for some weeks that Hou could potentially face being replaced as the KMT party candidate, due to Hou’s weak performance in polls so far. This was the scenario that took place in the 2016 presidential elections, with Hung Hsiu-chu being swapped out in favor of current party chair Eric Chu...
EnglishJuly 2023Politics6 min read

Hou You-yi Emphasizes Opposition to Both “One Country, Two Systems”, Taiwanese Independence

Brian Hioe
In comments made earlier this week, New Taipei mayor Hou You-yi expressed opposition to both Taiwanese independence and Beijing’s “One Country, Two Systems.” This is among the clearest articulation of a cross-strait stance by the New Taipei mayor to date, with Hou angling for the presidential nomination of the KMT. Otherwise, Hou committed to the defense of the ROC, which includes Matsu, Kinmen, and Penghu...
Cross StraitEnglishInternationalMay 2023Politics5 min read