Terry Gou, the founder of Foxconn Technology Group, is set to run as an independent candidate in Taiwan’s 2024 presidential elections. Here’s a look at his journey and aspirations.
The Presidential Race in Taiwan
Taiwan is gearing up for its presidential elections in January 2024. One prominent contender for the top post is Vice President Lai Ching-tey, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party led by President Tsai Ing-wen.
Terry Gou’s Background
Terry Gou is a billionaire businessman from Taiwan, best known as the founder, former chairman, and CEO of Foxconn, the world’s largest electronics contract manufacturing company. In 2016, Gou left Foxconn and joined the Kuomintang (KMT) party, also known as the Nationalist Party of China. The KMT was a significant political force in the Republic of China from 1928 to 1949.
Gou’s First Presidential Bid
Gou initially ran for president in 2020 as a KMT candidate. He claimed that a dream in which he was ‘instructed’ by the sea goddess Mazu inspired him to run. However, his campaign struggled to gain traction, with only 15.2 percent of respondents supporting him in a July 2020 poll. Lai Sey led with a 33.9 percent approval rating, followed by Ko Wen-jee from the Taiwan People’s Party at 20.5 percent and Hou at 18 percent.
Gou’s Political Stance
Gou has previously advocated for talks between Taiwan and China within a framework that considers Taiwan as part of China. His political journey has been marked by shifts and challenges, and now he’s making another bid for Taiwan’s presidency.
Terry Gou’s aspiration to lead Taiwan is not a new one, and the 2024 presidential election will determine whether his dream becomes a reality.
