Han Kuo-yu visits Keelung after National Day speech, urging moral boundaries

Han Kuo-yu’s speech at the National Day rally immediately became the focus of widespread public discussion. Known in Taiwan’s political arena for his straightforward and populist style, the former Kaohsiung mayor and current Kuomintang (KMT) chairman delivered an address in Taipei that not only reviewed Taiwan’s history and democratic development, but also outlined expectations for future interactions between the two major parties. Immediately following the speech, he traveled to Keelung to campaign for party candidates, demonstrating his high regard for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. As an important northern port city with a diverse voter demographic, Keelung serves as a crucial political stronghold for the KMT, and Han’s grassroots campaigning injected fresh energy both within and outside the party.

At the campaign event in Keelung, Han reiterated the view that "no matter how fiercely the ruling and opposition parties argue, there are still certain rules of the game, compromises, and moral boundaries." This remark sparked extensive debate among political scholars and media outlets. In the history of Taiwan’s two-party politics, it is common for various factions to engage in fierce debates over policy and legislation, sometimes resulting in political gridlock. Han’s remarks were undoubtedly a call to maintain rationality and respect within the framework of the democratic system, avoiding emotional confrontation. This aligns closely with the spirit of pragmatism and cooperation advocated by the KMT during its time in power, while also posing a challenge to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), urging it to seek consensus and moral baselines amidst dissenting opinions.

As an important northern port city, Keelung historically features industrial and fishing communities with a diverse population structure ranging from working-class to middle-class voters. In recent elections, Keelung has exhibited relatively fragmented partisan leanings rather than serving as a solid stronghold for any single party. Han’s personal visit to Keelung was precisely aimed at engaging the city's diverse voters, and through populist actions and practical dialogue, enhancing the KMT’s influence in the north. Keelung voters pay close attention to economic development, social welfare, and national security issues. If Han’s remarks on-site can genuinely address these concerns, they will help the KMT win critical votes in the upcoming election.

Han’s call for "rules of the game" carries significant meaning for the KMT internally. In recent years, the KMT has experienced internal division and divergence, particularly regarding cross-strait policies and electoral strategies. If Han can use this rhetoric as a unifying tone within the party, it may help reduce internal friction and enhance caucus cohesion. For the opposition DPP, this also presents both a challenge and an opportunity: if it can maintain internal unity while responding to the concepts of "moral boundaries" and "compromise" raised by Han, it may project a more mature and responsible image in the minds of voters. Furthermore, if such an appeal can be jointly accepted by both parties, it will exert a positive influence on Taiwan’s political atmosphere and reduce the intensity of political confrontation.

From a broader perspective, Han’s remarks also reflect the image challenges Taiwan faces on the international stage. As a democratic nation, Taiwan must maintain internal political stability and democratic norms when facing political pressure from mainland China.