Political sparring in Taipei is heating up, with the KMT, the TPP and the DPP trading barbs over cooperation and campaign support ahead of the year-end local elections — a negative signal for the TPP's electoral prospects.

• Ko Wen-je attributed Chiang Wan-an's refusal to appear individually at rallies for TPP councillors to the weakness of his DPP opponent, Puma Shen, saying Chiang is under no pressure.
• Shen hit back, noting that Ko himself was widely written off when he first ran for Taipei mayor, yet went on to win.
• TPP councillors have complained that they are only allowed to take part in joint campaign events, calling it tantamount to a handout — a sign of cracks in KMT-TPP cooperation.
• Shen pointed out that TPP councillors have also questioned the city government over issues such as sunshades and child abuse, showing they were already dissatisfied with Chiang Wan-an's administration.

Outlook: With the year-end elections approaching, how the KMT and the TPP coordinate their campaign support, and whether Puma Shen can close the gap in momentum, will be the key things to watch in the Taipei race.