TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) expressed optimism on Tuesday (Oct. 22) about the continuation of the Taipei-Shanghai City Forum (雙城論壇), emphasizing the need for dialogue amid rising cross-strait tensions.
Vice Mayor Lin Yi-hua (林奕華) confirmed this year's forum, with ongoing negotiations to finalize details. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) Taipei City Councilors have proposed halting the forum due to persistent military disturbances from China, citing a lack of trust between the cities.
DPP Councilor Ho Meng-hua (何孟樺) highlighted recent military exercises, "Joint Sword-2024A" (聯合利劍-2024A) in May and "Joint Sword-2024B" (聯合利劍-2024B) in October, as reasons for concern. Meanwhile, Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) Councilor Chen You-cheng (陳宥丞) argued that Taipei should not compromise its principles by overly accommodating China's stance.
The Taipei City Council's Civil Affairs Committee (台北市議會民政委員會) has mandated that the forum adhere to principles of equality, dignity, goodwill, and reciprocity. Taipei City Government Secretary-General Li Tai-hsing (李泰興) hopes to schedule the forum in November or December, although a specific date remains undecided. With only 70 days left in the year, the event's timing and format still need to be discussed.
