Tech tycoon Terry Gou, the founder of Foxconn, is eyeing the presidency of Taiwan and has recently cited his 40 years of experience in the global industry as a key factor in his ability to lead the country.
Foxconn Founder Promises Taiwan-China Economic Ties
Nikkei Asia tells us in a report that Gou has emphasized his ability to improve economic ties with China and dispel the illusion that Taiwan can only choose between the United States and China.
His remarks come as Beijing launches an investigation into Taiwan's trade barriers on more than 2,400 Chinese imports, emphasizing the importance of cross-strait communication.
Back in December 2022, CNBC reported that Taiwan's government said it would fine Foxconn for an unauthorized investment in a Chinese chip maker, despite the Taiwanese company's announcement that it would sell its stake.
Gou is running for the presidential nomination of Taiwan's largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), and will face New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has already formally named Vice President William Lai as its candidate for the January 2024 election.
Transforming Taiwan Into a 'Tech Island'
Foxconn is a major supplier to Apple, producing a majority of its iPhones, and has recently sought to diversify its revenue base by focusing on the electric vehicle market.
According to Wion, the Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn has recently announced plans to invest $820 million in new manufacturing facilities in southern Taiwan over the next three years to support its electric vehicle ambitions.
In a recent interview, Gou stated that he has been thinking about Taiwan's future for the past two years and hopes to transform Taiwan into a "tech island."
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He emphasized his efforts to secure 5 million Pfizer-BNT COVID vaccine doses in 2021, as well as his desire to host two forums per week across Taiwan.
Gou also stated that he has invited OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to visit Taiwan in June to collaborate on the island's future technological developments.
Gou Revives Political Run
Gou's ambitions to run for president of Taiwan have been around for a while. In 2019, he was defeated by Han Kuo-yu, sparking months of speculation about whether he would run as an independent before dropping out.
However, this time, Gou believes he can be a valuable leader and is confident in his ability to win the nomination.
The tech tycoon has a strong track record in the global industry and is the founder of Foxconn, the world's largest electronics manufacturer. Foxconn is in charge of assembling key components for Apple's iPhone, among other tech products.
Gou's ambitions to improve Taiwan's relationship with China come at a time when tensions between the two countries are high.
China has never renounced the use of force to take control of Taiwan, and has increased military activity around the island in recent years.
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