Two independent candidates for Taoyuan city council made symbolic statements at registration, with one using the moment to warn the government against provoking war.

• Independent councilor Hsieh Mei-ying registered wearing camouflage on Armed Forces Day, saying she comes from a military family and wants to revive public respect for the armed forces.
• She urged the government not to start a war, arguing that soldiers are also sons, husbands and fathers.
• She criticized Taiwan's politics as consumed by ideology and empty argument, and said people are tired of it.
• Li Hsin, a nurse with a New Party background, registered in nursing scrubs and pledged to focus on the health and welfare of older residents in Zhongli.

Outlook: Campaigning in Taoyuan will now build toward the local elections, with cross-strait tension and everyday welfare issues shaping the pitch.