A ceremony marking 68 years since the 823 artillery battle became a de facto KMT campaign launch in Taichung, sharpening the fight over Taiwan's China policy ahead of the 2026 and 2028 elections.

• Taichung mayor Lu Shiow-yen symbolically handed the baton to Legislative Yuan deputy speaker Chiang Chi-chen, who is running to replace her, as the crowd chanted election slogans.
• Lu attacked President Lai Ching-te without naming him, saying leaders pushing Taiwan independence are risking war and willing to see the Republic of China destroyed.
• She framed the KMT goal as protecting the Republic of China and peace, and said the party must win in 2026 and 2028.
• DPP councillors in Taichung called the event unfitting, saying Lu sounded like Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office at a commemoration of resisting a Chinese attack.
• KMT legislators, city councillors, and candidates filled the hall, making the succession plan for Taichung explicit.

Outlook: Expect the independence-versus-peace argument to be the KMT's core message in Taichung and nationally through the 2026 local elections.