by Xin Yage

​Chen Chien-jen, a world-renowned scientist, is set to run for Taiwan’s vice presidency with the Democratic Progressive Party. For him, "The world needs peace, which is what we want with the Chinese mainland”.

Taipei (AsiaNews) – Running for president "is an important task for a Catholic. Before accepting, I prayed and thought about it for a long time, talking with my wife and bishop. But now I think I can be a fistful of salt in God’s hands. I can give extra flavour and contribute to my country’s welfare,” said Chen Chien-jen who spoke to AsiaNews after he was picked by Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to run for the vice presidency.

Tsai Ying-wen (蔡英文), who is running for the highest office, has a good chance of becoming Taiwan’s first woman president in the 16 January 2016 election. In a surprise move, she chose a Catholic as her running mate.

Prof Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) is a member of Academia Sinica, Taiwan's premier research institution. He also belongs to Taipei’s Holy Family Parish, where every morning he takes part in the Eucharistic celebration.

For him, technological innovation and the green economy need a boost. Above all, it is fundamental to work to give a future to young people. This can be done by following the example of Pope Francis, a great pontiff who reminds world Catholics of the importance of being close to the people, not only with words but also with deeds.

• taiwan
• presidential
• candidate
• chen
• chien-je