DPP flags surge of China-linked candidates ahead of Taiwan's local elections
Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party warned that a growing number of candidates with ties to China are running in the upcoming nine-in-one local elections and called for strict vetting.
Ahead of the November 28 nine-in-one local elections, the Democratic Progressive Party's China Affairs Department warned that an increasing number of candidates with clear connections to China are entering the race. Of the 19,695 registrants for 11,051 positions, the DPP highlighted three groups: candidates openly advocating unification, such as Labor Party's Chen Chu-ying who aims for a council seat in New Taipei City and wants a Chinese ID; Chinese spouses, with 26 registering this cycle—a 37% rise—seeking roles from village chiefs to township mayors; and long-time United Front affiliates, exemplified by KMT's Xu Gong-fan, whose multiple delegations to China were publicly praised by Sichuan officials.
The department called for rigorous checks on eligibility, nationality status, campaign financing and overseas ties, stressing that voters must be fully informed about each candidate's background. It also noted a Chinese military drone sighting near Taitung County during President William Lai's visit to a drill site, underscoring broader security concerns.
Why it matters
The presence of China-linked candidates could influence Taiwan's local governance and national security.
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