Taipei mayor to form political party in challenge to Taiwan president

FILE PHOTO - Ko Wen-je, Taipei mayor who is seeking for a re-election, speaks during televised policy debate in Taipei, Taiwan November 10, 2018. Public Television Service/Pool via REUTERS

TAIPEI (Reuters) - The mayor of Taipei said on Thursday he will form a political party to run in Taiwan's 2020 elections, a move that could complicate President Tsai Ing-wen's re-election and shake up the political landscape amid heightened tension with China.

Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je said he will set up the Taiwanese People's Party in early August in a bid to run in legislative elections in January.