TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Sun Yat-sen School Principal Chang Ya-chung (張亞中) on Wednesday responded to reports that internal Kuomintang factions are working to defeat his bid for party chair.

Chang said the KMT has failed to improve since it lost the 2021 leadership race, arguing that the party lacks clear direction and viable solutions to Taiwan’s challenges, per UDN. He criticized the KMT’s reliance on what he called “pro-US, anti-Communist, and pro-peace with China” slogans, without offering substantive economic or geopolitical strategies.

Chang acknowledged his limited political experience and his pro-unification stance as potential weaknesses but maintained that his platform is intended to benefit both the party and Taiwan.

Following reports that Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) may not run for KMT chair, several party figures have floated alternative candidates. Sources told Tai Sounds that senior KMT officials are determined to prevent Chang from securing the post, fearing his leadership could marginalize the party.

Former KMT Secretary-General Lee Chien-lung (李乾龍) said he will continue efforts to persuade Lu to enter the race, per Storm Media. Meanwhile, senior figure Jaw Shau-kong (趙少康) suggested possible contenders including Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安), former Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌), and former legislator Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文), per UP Media.

Cheng has publicly declared her intention to run if Lu ultimately decides not to, per Storm Media. She warned that if the party appears unable to produce a strong chair candidate, it could severely damage its public image.

Insiders told Nownews that Hau, who supported Lu in the past, has strong connections within the party, though his office declined to comment. Chiang said Thursday that he is not currently considering a leadership bid, per UDN.