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)

NEW YORK (AP) — Brent Rooker was placed on the 10-day injured list by the Athletics on Friday because of an oblique strain, ending a streak of 213 consecutive games played for the outfielder and designated hitter.

Zack Gelof was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas to fill the roster spot prior to the Athletics’ series opener at the New York Mets.

Manager Mark Kotsay didn’t provide a timeline for the All-Star slugger, who will miss his first game Friday since Aug. 15, 2024, the last time the Athletics were at Citi Field.

“We’re hopeful that Rook can get back as soon as possible,” Kotsay said.

Rooker was injured while fouling off a changeup in the first inning of Thursday’s 1-0 victory at the New York Yankees.

“I’m a little tight and a little sore, but we’ll get imaging done and see what that says,” Rooker said after the game.

Rooker is hitting .146 with two home runs and seven of his eight RBIs in his three games before Thursday.

His playing streak is the club’s fourth longest since 2000. It's also the longest streak for an A's player since Marcus Semien appeared in 276 straight games from June 28, 2018-Aug. 29, 2020.

“It was the first thing I thought about — I know Rook prides himself on playing every day,” Kotsay said.

Last season, Rooker hit .262 with 30 homers and 89 RBIs when he appeared in every game and earned All-Star selection. He also took part in the Home Run Derby, hitting 17 but failing to move on to the semifinals after losing the tiebreaker by less than an inch in total distance.

Rooker signed a $60 million, five-year contract in January 2025, a deal that could be worth up to $92 million over six seasons. That would take him through the 2029 season, the year after the A’s are scheduled to move to Las Vegas.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

Athletics' Brent Rooker swings at a strike, and then left the game following the at bat, during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, April 9, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)