Taiwan's Taichung mayoral race is heating up as former president Tsai Ing-wen backs the DPP candidate, a neutral-to-positive sign for the opposition party's campaign there.

• Tsai Ing-wen is heading to Taichung to open the campaign headquarters of DPP candidate Ho Hsin-chun and rally support.
• KMT rival Chiang Chi-chen brushed the visit off, calling Taichung a diverse and friendly city that welcomes people from anywhere.
• Chiang made the remark at his own press conference on policy for new immigrants, tying his answer back to that theme.
• Taichung is one of the bigger prizes in the coming local elections, and both parties are lining up heavyweight backing early.

Outlook: Expect more high-profile party figures on the campaign trail in Taichung as the race gets closer.