The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) accuses the opposition KMT of sharing the same stance on democracy as the pro-Beijing political establishment in Hong Kong.

The DPP has formally organized a campaign group to seek voters’ support in the legislative and presidential elections on January 11.

The group includes DPP’s vice presidential candidate William Lai and its candidates for “legislators-at-large” who are appointed by the party vote. Lai urged voters to use their ballots to safeguard Taiwan’s sovereignty and democracy, as people in Hong Kong did. His call came after pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong won a landslide victory in the district council elections on Sunday.

At the DPP’s headquarters on Monday, DPP political heavyweights, including Chairman Cho Jung-tai and Vice Presidential candidate William Lai, chanted a campaign slogan together. Holding their hands up, they chanted:  “Consolidate the votes to support Taiwan, secure the legislative [majority] to ensure peace. Protect the legislature, protect Taiwan.”

William Lai compared the opposition KMT to HK’s pro-establishment. He said “From the KMT’s list of legislators-at-large, it is not an exaggeration to say the KMT’s stance is the same as that of the pro-Beijing political establishment in Hong Kong. We hope the public, with the main goal of protecting Taiwan, is able to safeguard Taiwan’s sovereignty and maintain Taiwan’s democracy, so that we have the same election results as Hong Kong’s and so Taiwan’s democratic team can win the race.”

DPP Chairman Cho Jung-tai said Taiwan is on the front line of China’s hegemony. Cho said he is under tremendous pressure and the pressure has intensified with the overwhelming victory in Hong Kong.