Family and Assets in the U.S.? Ke: Classic Election Smear

(Central News Agency reporter Tsai Meng-yu, Kaohsiung, 14th) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Lai Jui-long claimed yesterday that Kuomintang (KMT) opponent Ke Chih-en's children and assets are all in the United States. Ke responded today, stating that such claims are factually inaccurate and have devolved into a classic election smear tactic. She emphasized that the mayoral race should return to competition based on policy and governance.

Former President Tsai Ing-wen visited Kaohsiung yesterday and paid respects at temples including Shenghe Temple in Sinsing District with Lai Jui-long. In media interviews, Lai said that since KMT Chairperson Chang Li-lun assumed office, the party has adopted a 'One China' policy line, which the people of Taiwan find difficult to accept.

Lai stated that KMT candidates across counties and cities are feeling immense pressure because the Taiwanese public rejects the 'One China' policy, and Ke must clarify her stance: 'Do you support One China? Your family and assets are in the U.S., yet you're running for Kaohsiung mayor while supporting the One China policy—how can Kaohsiung residents accept this?'

Ke responded today in a press statement, reiterating her consistent and clear position: 'The Republic of China is a sovereign and independent nation.' She emphasized that the ROC's sovereignty and national status are clearly defined in the Constitution, criticizing Lai for lacking constitutional understanding, which she called astonishing. She reaffirmed, 'I am a Taiwanese, and also a national of the Republic of China.'

Regarding the allegations about her family and assets, Ke clarified that these claims are not only factually incorrect but represent a classic election smear. First, the claim that her 'assets are in the U.S.' is entirely fabricated. She stated that her financial assets have been legally declared to the Control Yuan every year, with full transparency and open to public scrutiny.

She criticized Lai for dragging family members into the campaign, calling it the cheapest and most unprofessional tactic. Her children grew up and studied in Taiwan, fulfilled their mandatory military service, and later pursued overseas careers based on their own abilities—what's wrong with that? Applying the same standard, she questioned why Lai has not challenged President Lai Qing-de or former President Tsai Ing-wen, whose families also live or work in the U.S.

Ke stated that the Kaohsiung mayoral election should focus on policy and governance, not on who can launch the harshest attacks. She emphasized that she has never attacked, nor will she ever attack, her opponent's family, as this is a matter of basic decency. If Lai continues to rely on negative tactics instead of policy debate, voters will clearly see the difference in character between the two candidates. (Edited by Li Shu-hua) 1150614