Puma Shen urges KMT to condemn Chinese election interference

Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen has called on the Kuomintang (KMT) to publicly condemn Chinese interference in Taiwan’s upcoming local elections. Shen warned that Beijing’s tactics, including the use of military-affiliated media to target individuals like television host Kevin Tsai, represent an escalation in efforts to influence voters. He noted that such interference often utilizes less visible methods, such as fabricated documents and fake social media accounts, which may not always violate specific election laws but still impact political outcomes.

Simultaneously, the KMT is facing internal divisions regarding its media strategy and response to Shen’s rising momentum. Former legislator Shih Fu-heng warned that incumbent Mayor Chiang Wan-an faces a risk of defeat if the party fails to counter the opposition. This tension follows televised interviews conducted by Jaw Shaw-kong, which sparked backlash from conservative party hardliners who believe providing a platform to an opposition candidate undermines party discipline and electoral prospects.