Taipei mayor candidates face off in televised debate

The candidates vying to become the mayor of Taiwan's capital, Taipei, faced off in a televised debate on Saturday, two weeks before a host of local elections seen as a barometer of the ruling party's popularity.

The Nov. 24 mayoral election is one of hundreds being held in Taiwan for local government posts that are seen as a test of confidence in the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which swept to power in 2016 with the election of President Tsai Ing-wen and a solid majority in parliament.

The DPP's main opposition is the Nationalist Party, which relocated from mainland China amid civil war in 1949 and governed Taiwan for decades, first under martial law, then under full democracy beginning in the 1990s. The presidency has since alternated between the two parties, with the Nationalists, also known as the KMT, seen as more pro-China, and the DPP backing formal independence for Taiwan.

Incumbent Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je speaks in a televised debate with other Taiwan’s mayoral election candidates in Taipei, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. The candidates vying to become the mayor of Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, faced off in a televised debate on Saturday, two weeks before a host of local elections seen as a barometer of the ruling party’s popularity. (Pool Photo via AP)

In Saturday's debate, incumbent Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, an independent, asked voters to continue supporting him, but the ruling party's candidate, Pasuya Yao, said Ko has failed to make any changes in Taipei in the past four years.

Yao further emphasized that Taipei doesn't want to be bound by China's threats.

Ting Shou-chung, the Nationalist Party candidate, pledged to lead Taipei out of economic difficulties and to help foster a better relationship with China.

Ruling Democratic Progressive Party's candidate, Pasuya Yao speaks during the televised policy debate in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. The candidates vying to become the mayor of Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, faced off in a televised debate on Saturday, two weeks before a host of local elections seen as a barometer of the ruling party’s popularity. (Pool Photo via AP)

Two independent candidates — Li Hsi-kun and Wu E-yang — also took part in the debate.

Surveys show most Taiwanese favor their island's current de facto independent status, rejecting both formal independence that might spark a military assault by China and political unification with Beijing.

While China had in recent years largely eschewed threats that might spark a backlash at the polls, this year's elections come against the background of rising tensions over Beijing's demand that Tsai — who is up for re-election in 2020 — acknowledge its "one-China" principle that views Taiwan as a part of China under the Communist Party. China has increased diplomatic and economic pressure on Tsai's administration while staging military drills underscoring its determination to conquer the island by force if necessary.

Ting Shou-chung of opposition Nationalist Party candidate speaks in a televised debate in Taipei, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. The candidates vying to become the mayor of Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, faced off in a televised debate on Saturday, two weeks before a host of local elections seen as a barometer of the ruling party’s popularity. (Pool Photo via AP)

Yet, local issues are likely to play a bigger factor among voters. The high-tech economy has struggled to match the growth rates of past years, leading to wage stagnation, particularly among the young, while there have also been pushes for pension reform and government streamlining to keep government spending in check.

Taipei's aging housing stock and delays in projects such as a massive new sports and entertainment venue are also issues for voters in the island's capital.

Taiwan's democracy is known for exuberant campaigning, including massive outdoor rallies, caravans of vehicles promoting the candidates, and visits to markets and parks.

Independent candidate Li Hsi-kun speaks in a televised debate in Taipei, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. The candidates vying to become the mayor of Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, faced off in a televised debate on Saturday, two weeks before a host of local elections seen as a barometer of the ruling party’s popularity. (Pool Photo via AP)

Taipei Mayor Ko, 59, gained added attention this year by starring in a rap video, and online messaging has grown increasingly important in one of the world's most wired societies.

That's also brought warnings of cyberattacks and disinformation coming from China, similar to how Russian government-backed entities are believed to have spread fake news in the U.S.

Ko came under attack for skipping a first debate earlier this month, with critics calling him aloof and the mayor defending himself as a diligent administrator.

Independent candidate Wu E-yang speaks in a televised debate in Taipei, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. The candidates vying to become the mayor of Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, faced off in a televised debate on Saturday, two weeks before a host of local elections seen as a barometer of the ruling party’s popularity. (Pool Photo via AP)

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 3, 2025--

WSFS Bank, the primary subsidiary of WSFS Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: WSFS), announced today more than 1,600 WSFS Associates volunteered at more than 130 community organizations across the region as part of WSFS’ third annual We Stand for Service Day.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251002990397/en/

Associates volunteered more than 5,500 hours across the bank’s footprint in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey on Wednesday, October 1, during the company-wide day of giving back through volunteerism.

“At WSFS, We Stand for Service Day is a cornerstone of our commitment to the communities we serve. It’s a day where our Associates come together to make a meaningful impact, volunteering at dozens of organizations to support causes close to our hearts,” said Justin Dunn, WSFS Chief Community Impact Officer. “This day embodies our mission to strengthen our communities, and it’s a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we work together. We’re proud to dedicate this time to giving back and living out our values in action.”

"We could not provide the over 300,000 packages of basic essentials for children without the dedicated and caring volunteers from corporations like WSFS who understand the importance of supporting the communities where they do business," said Michal Smith, Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia.

"Volunteers are the heart and soul of our mission to eliminate hunger,” said Cathy Kanefsky, President and CEO of The Food Bank of Delaware. “We are deeply grateful to WSFS for their unwavering support, not just through financial contributions, but through the hands-on dedication of their Associates. Days like We Stand for Service Day are a testament to the power of collective volunteerism, enabling us to distribute millions of pounds across Delaware.”

“WSFS Bank’s Associates are making a major impact as we distribute up to 100,000 children’s books each month,” said Larry Abrams, Founder and Executive Director of BookSmiles. “Volunteers not only keep books out of landfills but open doors to learning and imagination for children and families across New Jersey and Philadelphia."

Photos and additional information from We Stand for Service Day’s events can be found here.

About WSFS Financial Corporation

WSFS Financial Corporation is a multibillion-dollar financial services company. Its primary subsidiary, WSFS Bank, is the oldest and largest locally headquartered bank and wealth management franchise in the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware region. As of June 30, 2025, WSFS Financial Corporation had $20.8 billion in assets on its balance sheet and $92.4 billion in assets under management and administration. WSFS operates from 115 offices, 88 of which are banking offices, located in Pennsylvania (58), Delaware (39), New Jersey (14), Florida (2), Nevada (1) and Virginia (1) and provides comprehensive financial services including commercial banking, consumer banking, treasury management, and trust and wealth management. Other subsidiaries or divisions include Arrow Land Transfer, Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors, LLC, Bryn Mawr Trust ®, The Bryn Mawr Trust Company of Delaware, Cash Connect ®, NewLane Finance ®, WSFS Wealth Management, LLC, WSFS Institutional Services ®, and WSFS Mortgage ®. Serving the Greater Delaware Valley since 1832, WSFS Bank is one of the ten oldest banks in the United States continuously operating under the same name. For more information, please visit www.wsfsbank.com.

WSFS Associates volunteer as part of We Stand For Service Day on October 1, 2025.