TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC, 大陸委員會) on Thursday (Dec. 12) announced its commitment to facilitating the visit of a Shanghai delegation to Taiwan for the Taipei-Shanghai Twin City Forum (雙城論壇), scheduled for Dec. 17. The council expressed its intent to extend goodwill, although it reserved the right to revoke the delegation's visit permit if necessary, placing the responsibility on the central government.
MAC Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑) emphasized the government's willingness to foster a harmonious cross-strait atmosphere by initially approving the Shanghai delegation's participation. He noted that if the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP, 共產黨) pressure on Taiwan escalates, the Taipei City Government would cooperate with the central government's decision to postpone the event.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) stated that the Taipei City Government will maintain communication with the MAC. He also urged the council to clarify the definition and scope of "escalation" regarding the potential postponement of the forum. Since 2010, Taipei and Shanghai have alternated hosting the forum and mutual visits annually. This year's event marks the 15th edition, with the Taipei City Government as the host.
