The race for Kaohsiung mayor is heating up, with the DPP's Lai Jui-lung and the KMT's Ko Chih-en both launching support groups on the same day. Each set out policy proposals for local development, offering an important reference point for voters concerned about southern Taiwan's economy and infrastructure.

• Lai Jui-lung established support groups in Gangshan and Qianzhen, campaigning on continuity with the current city government's industrial and infrastructure agenda.
• He proposed an industry matchmaking platform, an industrial upgrading fund and a smart manufacturing validation centre, aiming to help traditional industries such as fasteners and metalworking win more orders and keep jobs in Kaohsiung.
• He also promoted a "Greater Asia Bay Plan" linking the Asia New Bay Area, the port district, the airport and transport infrastructure, along with increased childbirth subsidies and higher senior citizen card allowances.
• Ko Chih-en launched a support group in southern Kaohsiung, proposing to build a municipal administration park and a "Central Park 2.0" centred on the 205 Arsenal and Central Park, driving commerce, housing and tourism.
• She seized on Kaohsiung's recent flooding, road sinkholes and fiscal problems, and rejected the claim that "NT$20 billion was cut from Kaohsiung's budget," saying the city's autonomous revenue sources have in fact increased following the amendment of the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures.

Outlook: Both candidates are relying on mayors, county magistrates and legislators from their own parties to appear alongside them and build momentum. The race will continue to intensify around industrial upgrading, infrastructure and the central government's allocation of fiscal resources.