TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) on Wednesday (Dec. 11) reiterated the importance of the Taipei-Shanghai Twin City Forum (雙城論壇) as a rare official dialogue platform between Taiwan and China. The forum, set for next Tuesday, faces uncertainty due to increased Chinese military activity near Taiwan. Chiang emphasized the necessity of continuing the forum amid rising tensions, stating, "The more tense the cross-strait relations, the more we need exchanges."
Speculation has arisen about potential Chinese military exercises following President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) return to Taiwan after visiting South Pacific allies, prompting concerns that the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC, 陸委會) might cancel the forum. Mayor Chiang stressed that many countries perceive Taiwan as a high-risk geopolitical area. He argued that under such circumstances, the forum remains a vital municipal communication channel between the two sides. "We cherish it very much and hope to continue holding it," he said.
During a Dec. 5 press conference, MAC Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑) addressed questions about the forum's potential disruption if the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducts military drills. He noted that a favorable atmosphere is crucial for healthy communication and exchange. Meanwhile, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) Legislator Chen Kuan-ting (陳冠廷) expressed his hope that cross-strait exchanges will not cease entirely. He urged China to prioritize dialogue over targeted military drills.
