Taiwan detains Communist Party leader over alleged Chinese sponsorship in election

Taipei Authorities in Taiwan detained the leader of the island's Taiwan People's Communist Party, accusing him of running as a candidate for borough chief under the direction and sponsorship of China's Communist Party, local media reported on Sunday (November 8, 2026). Taiwan is set to hold elections for mayors and local area chiefs on November 28. While the races focus more on livelihood issues, the results could be a good indicator of the popularity of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party under the leadership of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te ahead of the presidential election in 2028.

According to Taiwan's Central News Agency, prosecutors said in a statement on Sunday (November 8, 2026) that an initial investigation showed Taiwan People's Communist Party chair Lin Te-wang also had directed another party member to run as a candidate for chief in another borough. Prosecutors also alleged that Mr. Lin sought to buy votes by repeatedly recruiting voters to travel to mainland China, where they received hospitality, the report said.

While Mr.