Taiwan's presidential front-runner picks U.S. envoy as running mate

Hsiao Bi-khim's international experience, political success seen as plus for campaign

Hsiao Bi-khim at an APEC meeting in San Francisco on Nov. 17. In her political career, Hsiao once beat a powerful three-term lawmaker in opposition-controlled Hualien County, then overcame a recall vote pushed by conservatives over Hsiao's support for same-sex marriage. © Reuters

THOMPSON CHAU, Contributing writer

November 20, 2023 17:38 JST

TAIPEI -- Taiwan's presidential front-runner Lai Ching-te on Monday picked top envoy to the U.S. Hsiao Bi-khim as his running mate in an appeal to young and progressive voters, with the opposition in disarray ahead of January elections.

The 52-year-old Hsiao has been widely praised in diplomatic circles for her influence with U.S. officials as China moves to extinguish Taiwan's international presence.