TAIPEI: The frontrunner in Taiwan’s presidential race has picked the long-term de-facto ambassador to the United States as his vice presidential candidate.

Vice President William Lai announced on Monday on his Facebook page the nomination of Hsiao Bi-ki January’s elections.

This move would likely bolster support among backers of his ruling Democratic Progressive Party which has long defied Beijing’s demands to concede to rule under the authoritarian Communist Party.

Lai and Hsiao face a divided opposition, led by the Nationalist Party, also known as the Kuomintang or KMT, that has sought to draw independent candidates to their ticket.

Polls show Lai is ahead, but China is believed to be seeking to influence business groups and media.