Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) questioned Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je's (柯文哲) cross-strait stance on Monday.
Ko said in a recent interview that former President Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) advised him during a visit in 2018. He said Lee told him to put more emphasis on the words ‘special relationship’ and focus less on the ‘two countries’ when referring to the two sides of the Taiwan strait.
Chen said that the administration's stance is very clear. It will adhere to President Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) principle of four-pillars to protect the common interests and well-being of the Taiwanese people and maintain the status quo.
Chen added that it is the responsibility of all parties in Taiwan and on both sides of the Taiwan strait to maintain the status quo and avoid conflict. Moreover, Chen stressed that countries and regions around the world expect the same. He called for the former Taipei Mayor and presidential hopeful to properly explain himself on the matter.