Hon Hai founder Terry Gou meets former Japan PM Aso Taro

Описание: Former Japanese prime minister Aso Taro had an unlikely visitor at his Taipei hotel this morning: Hon Hai founder Terry Gou. The tech tycoon was seen entering the hotel with a copy of his own "Kinmen Peace Declaration," a manifesto on cross-strait relations. The two spoke behind closed doors for an hour. When questioned by reporters, Gou said they discussed regional security. He added that Aso had reached out first to arrange their meeting.

Confronted by reporters, Hon Hai founder Terry Gou refuses to be drawn. On Wednesday, Gou went to the hotel of former Japanese PM Aso Taro, carrying a copy of his own “Kinmen Peace Declaration.” His visit raised questions from local media. The day before, Aso had said that preventing war in the strait would require deterrence and the resolve to fight.

Terry Gou
Hon Hai founder
I showed him my “Kinmen Peace Declaration.” We have to prepare for war but also avoid war. We need to find a foundation for dialogue. Aso got in touch with me through the foreign ministry, saying that he’d like to meet me before he goes back. It’s our second meeting in four months.

Gou displayed a stamp album gifted by Aso, as proof of their close friendship. But the two did not make a joint public appearance, leaving the hotel separately. That’s in stark contrast with Aso’s meetings with KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and the DPP’s Lai Ching-te.

Gou stayed mum on whether he would run as vice president with Ko Wen-je, or for president as an independent candidate. Recently KMT lawmaker Lee De-wei caused a stir, when he said that should Gou run for president, the KMT would change its strategy and scrutinize all of Gou’s past comments and deeds.

Lee De-wei
KMT lawmaker
Any person who runs for election will be scrutinized by everyone.

Gou has kept a high public profile in recent months. His daughter called on the Nantou County Council on Tuesday to discuss disaster relief. That night, Gou went to visit a Pingtung temple. He launched a local “support group” and made preparations for a large-scale rally, in a sign of his political ambitions.