TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taipei-Shanghai City Forum (台北上海城市論壇) delegation from Shanghai hosted a banquet at the Grand Hyatt Taipei (君悅酒店) on Tuesday (Dec. 17), sparking controversy by excluding Taipei City Council members from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨). Taiwan People's Party (民眾黨) Councilor Chen You-cheng (陳宥丞) did not support the decision, saying the forum resembled "a rainbow missing a color."
Chen highlighted former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je's (柯文哲) inclusive approach, inviting councilors across party lines to the forum. He stressed the importance of embracing diverse perspectives. Chen also mentioned the forum's role in delivering Taiwanese business people's petitions to the Shanghai Taiwan Affairs Office (上海台辦), seeking assistance with challenges faced while conducting business in China.
Kuomintang (國民黨) Councilor Yu Shu-hui (游淑慧) suggested Shanghai officials avoid inviting DPP members to prevent potential awkwardness or rejection. Yu disclosed that Shanghai officials expressed willingness to invite DPP members next year if they show interest, offering to host an additional meal as a gesture. DPP Councilor Yen Ruo-fang (顏若芳) criticized the forum for excluding green camp members, calling it "a one-sided, China-appeasing forum."
