China Won't Attack Taiwan If I Become President, Foxconn Founder Brags

The billionaire founder of Taiwan's Foxconn and presidential hopeful Terry Gou said China does not want war with the island and would not attack if he becomes president as he would not declare independence, Ben Blanchard reported for Reuters.

Photo Insert: Gou, one of Taiwan's most recognizable faces, stepped down as chief of major Apple Inc. supplier Foxconn, which has extensive manufacturing facilities in China, in 2019.

"According to my understanding, they don't want war. But if you engage in independence, if there is independence then there must be war. They think Taiwan is theirs," Gou told academics and students at Taiwan's Tunghai University.

Gou, one of Taiwan's most recognizable faces, stepped down as chief of major Apple Inc. supplier Foxconn, which has extensive manufacturing facilities in China, in 2019.

He launched a second bid this month for the presidential ticket of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), which favors close ties with Beijing. China wanted to develop its economy and focus on things like finding jobs for college graduates and feeding its people, Gou said.

"For them, striking Taiwan is not a priority. But Taiwanese politicians hope because of this the people can hate China and therefore they get elected," added Gou, 72.

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