Shen Boyang gains momentum in Taipei mayoral race

Democratic Progressive Party candidate Shen Boyang has seen a significant surge in popularity during the Taipei mayoral election campaign, a phenomenon supporters and media have dubbed the “ocean current” (Yangliu). This surge has narrowed the gap with incumbent Kuomintang Mayor Chiang Wan-an, with recent polls showing a shift from a 28-percentage-point lead for Chiang to an 8-percentage-point margin.

Shen’s rising profile is attributed to his academic background and professional performance in public forums. However, the election has become entangled in cross-strait tensions. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office recently imposed sanctions on two foreign trade companies owned by Shen’s father, accusing the candidate of being a “Taiwan independence” supporter while his family profits from Chinese business.

Taiwanese officials, including representatives from the Mainland Affairs Council, have characterized these sanctions as blatant election interference intended to suppress Shen. Shen has dismissed the accusations as “reheating old news,” maintaining that his father’s business in Ecuador operates as an intermediary and is not focused on the Chinese market. While the sanctions aim to impact Shen’s standing, some local voters suggest the move may backfire by increasing sympathy for his candidacy.