SHANGHAI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an underscored the significance of cross-strait dialogue at the Taipei-Shanghai City Forum on Wednesday (Aug. 30).
In his opening speech at the forum, Chiang highlighted the strong bond between Shanghai and Taipei residents, emphasizing how the event is a vital indicator in cross-strait relations.
Chiang stressed that "The well-being of the two cities is the well-being across the Strait," commending the effective organization of the twin-city forum through resolving differences and establishing a dialogue platform.
"What holds the utmost importance is our willingness to engage in conversations, to discover shared values in the midst of the volatile cross-strait relationship," Chiang said.
This year's forum is themed "New Trends, New Developments" and focuses on low-carbon sustainability, the digital economy, and smart medical care. Chiang said he believes any city must catch on to the world's trends and invest in development to create a better living environment for its residents.
"When both cities effectively address disparities and rise above conflicts, the advantages of the win-win scenario will be limitless," Chiang added.
While Chiang's speech focused mainly on cross-strait relations, Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng did not mention the concept that both sides of the Strait were "one family," which was mentioned in previous forums.
"We believe that as the nation rejuvenates and the country prospers, Chinese people on both sides of the Strait can lead prosperous and joyful lives," Gong said.
