TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) on Monday (Dec. 16) cited renowned author Chiung Yao's (瓊瑤) autobiography to emphasize that war symbolizes wandering and suffering. The mayor underscored the significance of cultural exchange during a speech at the "Taipei-Shanghai City Forum" (台北上海城市論壇) banquet. The event, held at the Grand Hotel Taipei (圓山飯店), welcomed Vice Shanghai Mayor Hua Yuan (上海副市長華源) and other delegates from Shanghai.
Chiang highlighted the forum's 15-year history, which began in 2010, with Taipei and Shanghai alternating hosts. He expressed gratitude for Shanghai's hospitality last year and warmly welcomed the Shanghai delegation to Taipei, acknowledging the challenges of gathering in person. Chiang mentioned Chiung Yao, noting her Shanghai roots and pioneering role in cross-strait film and television collaborations.
In his speech, Chiang quoted a line from Chiung Yao's work, "My Fair Princess" (還珠格格): "A wounded heart must be healed with sincerity" (受過傷的心要用真心來修補) to stress the importance of dialogue and peace. He also referenced Jay Chou's (周杰倫) song "Shanghai 1943" (上海1943) and marked Taipei's 140th anniversary, noting Chou's inaugural concert at the Taipei Dome (台北大巨蛋).
Chiang emphasized the ongoing cultural exchanges between Taipei and Shanghai in music and the arts, asserting that music's power can transcend geographical boundaries and dissolve misunderstandings. He reiterated the forum's importance and wished for fruitful outcomes, envisioning a brighter future for cities and cross-strait relations.
