James Soong

James Chu-yu Soong (宋楚瑜 Wade-Giles: Sung Ch'u-yü; pinyin: Sòng Chǔyú; born March 16, 1942) is a politician in the Republic of China on Taiwan. He founded and chairs the People First Party, which favors eventual Chinese reunification.

Post-Election

After the 2004 Presidental election, Song actively sought the merger of the KMT and PFP. However, he ceased doing so after the ROC Legislative Election, 2004. Although the pan-blue coalition did well, the PFP did not, and Soong ended talk of a KMT-PFP merger. In February 2005, he signed an 10 point consensus program with President Chen Shui-Bian which brought heavy criticism to Chen. The possibility of DPP-PFP cooperation ended in May 2005, when Soong visited mainland China to meet with Hu Jintao. Initially, Chen stated that Soong was to deliver a secret message to the PRC leadership, but Soong denied this.

Related Topics:
ROC Legislative Election, 2004 - Pan-blue coalition - 10 point consensus - Chen Shui-Bian - Mainland China - Hu Jintao

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In the 2005 KMT chairmanship election, Soong, who retains significant following within the KMT, despite initially instructing party officials not to support either Ma Ying-jeou or Wang Jin-pyng, endorsed Wang at the last minute. The endorsement appeared to backfire, however, as Ma defeated Wang by a rather large margin of 72% to 28%.

Related Topics:
Ma Ying-jeou - Wang Jin-pyng

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On July 22, 2005, Soong, unopposed, was reelected chairman of the PFP.

Related Topics:
July 22 - 2005

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