Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, speculation is mounting about who the DPP will field as its candidate. President Tsai Ing-wen is constitutionally barred from running after completing her second term. So far, all eyes have been on her two vice presidents, past and present. In a recent interview, former Vice President Chen Chien-jen denied speculation that he wants the nation''s top job. He shut down rumors of a rivalry with Vice President Lai Ching-te, saying that he and Lai were good friends. Speaking exclusively to FTV, Vice President Lai also said that the two were good friends. He said they intended to work together for Taiwan in the future.

Upon hearing our question, Vice President Lai Ching-te paused to respond.

Lai Ching-te
Vice president
Former Vice President Chen and I have always been good friends. We share a background in public health and medical care, and we’ve worked together to fight the epidemic in Taiwan. In the future, there will be many areas where we can cooperate, whether they are international or domestic. We will continue to work hard for Taiwan.

Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen joined the DPP last year, sparking speculation that he was planning to run for president. Lai himself had asked Chen why he had joined the party. In recent weeks, rumors have swirled that there was rancor between the two. Chen has flatly denied the reports.

Chen Chien-jen
Former vice president
Brother Ching-te and I have known each other for a long time. We knew each other when he was a legislator, and I also supported him. I stumped for him when he was running for a legislative seat, and also when he ran for Tainan mayor. When he became premier, I interacted with him several times in my capacity at the Presidential Office. So we are very good friends. I think it is overblown to interpret this as factional rivalry and this has damaged the friendly relationship I have with Ching-te and the cooperation we have with each other.

The two appeared to be on the same page, both claiming to be good friends. Chen emphasized that he was not after Taiwan’s top job.

Chen Chien-jen
Vice president
I have no great love for elections and I am not considering a run. I have no plans whatsoever to run in 2024. I believe that for 2024, the DPP will put forth the best possible candidate and after that person is selected, I will certainly give my support.

Chen moved to quash rumors of a rivalry. With the local elections coming up, he and Lai are making a strong show of unity.