Taiwan's Presidential Front-Runner Selects Former US Envoy as Vice Presidential Candidate

The front-runner in Taiwan's presidential race, Vice President William Lai, has chosen Hsiao Bi-ki, the former de facto ambassador to the United States, as his vice presidential candidate. This move is expected to strengthen support among the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and its backers who oppose Beijing's demands for reunification. Lai and Hsiao face a divided opposition led by the Nationalist Party, and polls show Lai in the lead. China is believed to be attempting to influence business groups and media in Taiwan.