Taiwan opposition candidate vows to boost defenses to deter China

NEW TAIPEI CITY -- Hou Yu-ih, the presidential candidate from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), said Thursday that he would strengthen Taiwan's defenses so China would "not dare" launch an invasion of the democratic island.

At a news conference for foreign media in New Taipei City ahead of Saturday's presidential election, Hou said he did not have "unrealistic thoughts about China."