The 2026 Taitung County magistrate election is heating up, with former President Tsai Ing-wen recently appointed as campaign director for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Chen Ying. Tsai appeared alongside Chen Ying and Kuomintang (KMT) incumbent Taitung County Magistrate Rao Qingling at the Taitung Expo, drawing significant political attention. On the 7th, Chen Ying expressed gratitude for Tsai's support, noting her online visibility has surged to fourth place among all county magistrate candidates nationwide. However, she emphasized that the joint appearance with Rao was not a calculated political maneuver, revealing instead a deep personal connection dating back to childhood. Chen disclosed that she has known Rao Qingling since youth, as her classmate and close friend was Rao's younger sister, Rao Qingyu. Both were active in their school choir, with Rao Qingyu as conductor and Chen Ying as pianist, frequently competing in music events. 'She practically watched me grow up,' Chen said, explaining why she naturally calls Rao 'Sister Rao.' As Taitung's magistrate, Rao has actively promoted local agricultural products, including the famed red oolong tea. Chen, serving as a legislator, has coordinated central government resources and partnered with Rao on promotional events domestically and overseas. A passionate advocate of Taitung red oolong, Chen was personally appointed 'Red Oolong Promotion Ambassador' by Rao. Reflecting on her relationship with Tsai Ing-wen, Chen recalled serving as a party-list legislator when Tsai chaired the DPP in 2008, and later being appointed Director of the DPP's Indigenous Affairs Department in 2014. With Tsai's direct involvement in the Taitung race and the rare cross-party image of unity, Chen emotionally remarked, 'Sometimes, when the time is right and visions align, people naturally come together. These memories and connections have converged this week into a beautiful moment.' She added, 'I hope Taitung, with us here, can remain this beautiful forever.'
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- Source: PR Times
- Category: News