Taiwan's National Day celebration turned into a political clash, a bad look for a ceremony meant to show unity in front of foreign guests and diplomats.

• Legislative speaker Han Kuo-yu went off script at the National Day rally, accusing the ruling team of "political hunting" and "fake democracy, real dictatorship."
• Ruling party figures called it embarrassing, saying he turned a national ceremony into a campaign stage in front of visiting dignitaries and foreign envoys.
• They also called his remarks contradictory: he urged leaders not to add fuel to the fire while slapping harsh labels on opponents.
• President Lai Ching-te answered with a unity message, saying parties can compete and disagree but Taiwan should not be split apart.
• Lai framed his role as power entrusted by the people and a duty to pull the country together, drawing a sharp contrast with Han's attack.

Outlook: With local elections coming, expect the unity-versus-division fight between Lai's camp and Han's to sharpen.