AI-Generated Videos Weigh on KMT Leadership Election

TaiwanPlus News

An AI video depicting a candidate for chair of the main opposition Kuomintang has been circulating online. One party heavyweights says the video is China's attempt to interfere in Taiwan's domestic affairs. This comes at a time when the KMT attempts to reconcile its relationship with China against Beijing's territorial claim over Taiwan. But while China ties have been a focal point of the race, each candidate must also navigate a bevy of domestic issues.

Transcript

00:00A seemingly ordinary speaking event takes a turn for the unexpected and bizarre.

00:07Depicted in this fake video are former Taipei City Mayor Hao Longbin and Taipei City Councilor

00:13Liu Caiwei.

00:14Hao, who is running for chair of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang, says

00:19that the video is an attack on his campaign and that he's been a victim of fake news.

00:25While Hao says he doesn't know the origin, his close confidant, party heavyweight, and

00:50media mogul Zhao Shaokang has spoken out, pointing the finger at China.

00:55He says that Taiwan's national security authorities should investigate.

01:02It's a different direction for the KMT,

01:26which has traditionally advocated for stronger ties with China

01:30amid Beijing's claims that Taiwan is part of Chinese sovereign territory.

01:36Even amid these accusations, National Taiwan University Professor Zhang Yajong,

01:41who's also in the race, said if he wins, he will work toward peace with Beijing.

01:47At a policy briefing in southern Taiwan, he said doing so would open doors for the country,

01:53especially as Beijing blocks Taiwan's participation in international organizations.

02:00And that was a sentiment echoed by another candidate, former legislator Zheng Liwen.

02:19While the KMT chair debates have focused on cross-strait relations and Taiwan's foreign affairs,

02:41candidates also discussed domestic matters.

02:44With local elections coming up in 2026, candidates put themselves on the line,

02:50promising to win mayoral seats in ruling DPP strongholds in southern Taiwan.

02:55From AI attacks to navigating Taiwan's delicate relationship with the KMT,

03:25China to managing upcoming local elections, the party will have to decide who is best equipped

03:31to handle all of the above.

03:33Scott Huang and Leslie Liao for Taiwan Plus.

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