Taiwan's opposition parties are staging a public show of unity after their alliance looked shaky in Zhubei, a reassuring sign for KMT and TPP supporters worried the deal is falling apart.

• TPP chairman Huang Kuo-chang teamed up with KMT New Taipei mayoral candidate Li Si-chuan for a friendly pickleball match and posted the video online.
• The stunt came after the two parties' cooperation in Zhubei appeared to break down, raising fears the split would spread to New Taipei.
• Huang paired with Li against two TPP city councillors and candidates, framing the game as proof of mutual trust and a shared plan for the mayoral race.
• Neither man had played pickleball before, and the clumsy, joking tone — Huang even hit Li in the head with the ball — was the point.

Outlook: Expect more joint appearances as the two parties try to keep their New Taipei alliance together in a tight race.