Taiwan's president is publicly backing his party's Taipei mayoral candidate while pledging to keep China from meddling in the race, a sign of how tense this local election has become.

• President Lai Ching-te joined Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen at a historic Tianmu temple, openly urging residents to vote for Shen ahead of a televised debate.
• Lai said the government will protect every candidate's safety during the campaign and will use state power to stop outside forces from interfering in the election.
• He pointed to cases already uncovered of Chinese influence operations in Taiwan, including cross-border intimidation, united front tactics, organized crime ties, and local collaborators.
• Lai tied the local race to national stakes, arguing that if his party wins more seats in the legislature and city council, it can govern more effectively and keep Taiwan safer.
• He also urged young Taiwanese living or studying away from home to return and vote, calling their participation key to the island's democratic future.

Outlook: The race remains tight and closely watched, with a mayoral debate coming up and both sides framing the vote as a test of resistance to Chinese influence.