TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Despite the vice Shanghai mayor's recent friendly remarks, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) on Tuesday (Dec. 17) reported 17 Chinese military aircraft and vessels near Taiwan by 6 a.m. The Taipei-Shanghai City Forum (台北上海城市論壇) commenced at the Regent Taipei (晶華酒店) on Tuesday amid heightened tensions due to military activities near Taiwan.
MND detailed that from Monday morning to Tuesday morning, 10 Chinese aircraft sorties were detected, four of which crossed the Taiwan Strait median line. Additionally, seven Chinese vessels operated around the Taiwan Strait. These developments underscore the challenges faced by the forum, which has signed 45 memorandums of understanding since 2010 but now contends with strained cross-strait relations.
Vice Shanghai Mayor Hua Yuan (華源), who arrived in Taiwan on Monday, emphasized the importance of exchanges at the forum. He praised Taiwan's traditional virtues during a banquet hosted by the Taipei City Government at The Grand Hotel (圓山飯店). Deputy Taipei Mayor Lin Yi-hua (林奕華) addressed the forum, while Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) concluded, stressing the forum's significant responsibilities and commitment to progress.
