Southern Taiwan entered a fifth day of recurring heavy rain Monday, with coastal flooding in Kaohsiung, reduced transport services and continued landslide warnings.
A Kaohsiung poll puts Mayor Chen Chi-mai’s job approval at 83.5%, but the landline survey is a measure of reported sentiment, not a forecast of November’s mayoral race.
Political leaders expressed condolences and called for a full investigation Tuesday after two Republic of China Air Force officers were killed in a T-34C trainer crash at Gangshan Air Base (岡山基地) in Kaohsiung’s Gangshan District (岡山).
The visit came as Tsai has remained highly visible on social media after leaving office, with recent appearances alongside Democratic Progressive Party candidates in other parts of Taiwan.
Chen attended the opening session with city officials and met with Council Speaker Kang Yu-cheng, Deputy Speaker Tseng Chun-chieh, and party caucuses to discuss urban development, infrastructure and livelihood issues.
Notably, 68% of Kuomintang (KMT) supporters expressed satisfaction with his performance, while approval among Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) supporters exceeded 93%.
Both Lu and Chen are increasing their international exposure. Both are building networks beyond Taiwan. And both are operating in spaces that historically serve as stepping stones to national leadership.
