Taiwan presidential frontrunner slams China over Foxconn probe

Taiwan VP Lai Ching-te criticizes China for Foxconn probe, says Beijing should "cherish" Taiwanese companies. Foxconn is facing a tax probe in China, possibly due to Terry Gou's presidential campaign. Lai says China should respect Taiwan's democratic system, not put pressure on companies during election. He calls for dialogue, not confrontation, and to maintain status quo across Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday hit out at China over its probe of major Apple supplier Foxconn, saying Beijing should "cherish" Taiwanese companies and not put pressure on them during an election.

Foxconn is facing a tax probe in China, two sources close to the company said on Monday, confirming a report in China's state-backed Global Times.

The sources said they believed it was disclosed for political reasons tied to Taiwan's January elections where the company's founder Terry Gou is running as an independent candidate for president.

The Global Times, in an English-language story late on Sunday, said by running, Mr. Gou might split the opposition vote, potentially ensuring a victory for Lai who is already leading in the polls.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and Beijing detests Mr. Lai, whom it believes is a separatist. He says only Taiwan's people can decide their future, and Beijing has rebuffed his offers of talks.

Speaking at a news conference in Taipei and asked about Beijing's probe into Foxconn, Mr. Lai said China should "cherish and treasure" Taiwanese companies given their help in that country's economic development.

"During an election, China does not need to put pressure on Taiwanese companies, demanding they declare a position, or even that they directly support a candidate they prefer," he said.