TPP's Huang says 'coopetition' with KMT could set democratic model for Taiwan

Taipei, Feb. 1 (CNA) Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman and New Taipei mayoral hopeful Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) said Sunday that "coopetition" with the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) could set a model for Taiwan's democracy.

Huang made the remarks at the launch of his campaign headquarters, amid speculation he could face current Deputy Taipei Mayor Lee Shu-chuan (李四川), who is widely seen as a potential KMT candidate in the New Taipei mayoral race.

Describing the contest as a form of "coopetition" with friends in the KMT, Huang urged supporters to view the race as a demonstration of the vitality and health of Taiwan's democracy.

He said the process would show that politics need not rely on verbal attacks and that, beyond competition, different parties can cooperate toward shared goals.

Huang said his approach would remain consistent from the Legislature to New Taipei and demonstrate the TPP's ability to deliver results.

"I am an implementer, which is what Taiwan's society needs right now," he said.

Also attending the event in New Taipei's Xinzhuang District were TPP founder and former Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) and media personality Jaw Shaw-kong (趙少康), who ran as the KMT's vice presidential candidate in the 2024 election.

Ko urged voters to choose Huang to make the New Taipei City government more open, civically engaged and transparent, and to steer the city toward rational, practical, scientific, efficient and professional governance that values institutions.

Jaw said both Huang and Lee were "good friends" of his and described them as "exceptional."

Jaw added that KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) had told him the party's mayoral nominee would be decided before the Lunar New Year holiday. He said he believed the nominee would be Lee.

He also said he believed the KMT and TPP would be able to coordinate their nominees by March.