In the summer of 2001, supporters of former ROC president Lee Teng-Hui formed the Taiwan Solidarity Union to win seats in the Legislative Yuan and "stabilize" the government of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). With Lee as the "spiritual leader," the TSU hoped that Lee's popularly with help the TSU. As a result of these actions, Lee was expelled from the Kuomintang. Although there was some initial speculation that Lee's expulsion would cause defections from the Kuomintang, none of the major Kuomintang leaders, including several who were very closely associated with Lee, joined him in the TSU.
After winning nine seats in the 225-member Legislative Yuan in December 2001, the TSU has largely displaced the Taiwan Independence Party (TAIP) and TSU legislators began advocating resolutions consistent with its strongly pro-Taiwan independence stance. For instance, they have opened debate about changing the national flag and national anthem. In the December 2002 city elections in Taipei and Kaohsiung, the TSU suffered a defeat, as it fielded no candidates for mayor, won no seats in the Taipei City council, and won only two seats in the Kaohsiung City council.
See also: Politics of Taiwan