TAIWAN LEADER TSAI QUITS AS RULING PARTY CHIEF

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has stepped down as head of her ruling party after it suffered defeat in Saturday’s local elections, while the Beijingfriendly main opposition held its ground.

Voters cast ballots for mayors, magistrates and various other posts in 22 cities and counties in elections Tsai had previously described as a stage to showcase “Taiwan’s persistence and resolve to defend freedom and democracy” as Beijing ramps up pressure on the island.

But her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lost four out of the island’s six key mayoralties, including capital Taipei.