The opposition Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential candidate, Tsai Ing-wen, has announced her running mate. She has chosen Taiwan’s leading epidemiologist, Chen Chien-jen, to run for vice president on the DPP ticket.
Tsai, who is also her party’s chairwoman, made the announcement at a press conference on Monday afternoon.
In order to enter the race, Chen tendered his resignation as vice president of Academia Sinica, which is Taiwan’s highest research body.
Chen served as Taiwan’s health minister from 2003 to 2005. He played a crucial role in helping contain the outbreak of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome).
Tsai said she was deeply impressed by Chen’s smooth handling of the SARS crisis back in 2003. She said the DPP ticket would help regain the public’s confidence.
“Over the past several days, some have said that choosing Chen will boost [our] campaign," said Tsai.
"But that’s not the point. The point is I honestly believe that Chen is a candidate who will help improve the country.”
Chen also spoke at Monday’s press conference. The candidate, who is a devout Catholic, said Taiwan is facing a critical moment of “either moving towards heaven or hell.” He said the public will have to make a choice in next January’s presidential elections. Chen said that Taiwan would be much better off under Tsai’s leadership.
“Taiwan cannot continue in its decline," said Chen.
"Let’s use courage, wisdom and compassion to enable Taiwan to make a comeback, so that the 23 million people [of our nation] may have sustainable peace, prosperity and joy.”
Chen has won global recognition with his research on chronic arsenic poisoning. His study of chronic hepatitis B also prompted the government to introduce nationwide hepatitis B vaccinations.
In 2013, the Vatican conferred upon him the Knight of Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great, because of the contributions he made during the SARS crisis.