Taiwan's opposition KMT has avoided an internal fight in Kinmen, as former county chief Yang Cheng-wu stepped aside for the party's official nominee — good news for KMT unity ahead of year-end local elections.

• Yang Cheng-wu dropped his run for Kinmen county chief, ending months of speculation he would challenge his own party.
• The KMT had already nominated sitting legislator Chen Yu-chen for the seat, setting up a possible clash between two party heavyweights.
• Yang said he pulled out to protect the bigger picture, arguing the KMT needs to stay united as the main opposition to the ruling DPP.
• He also pointed to family pressure — his elderly father urged him not to break with the party that built his career.
• Party leaders praised the move and hinted Yang will get a senior role if the KMT wins back power in 2028.

Outlook: Kinmen now heads into the year-end election with a single KMT candidate, and Yang is likely to resurface in a national or appointed role.