Leo Liang's Remark Silences Chiang Wan-an? Chou Hsuan: Taipei Doesn't Need to Only Engage with Shanghai

A recent statement by Leo Liang, spokesperson for Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), has ignited a debate regarding Taipei's engagement with Shanghai, particularly concerning the "Cross-Strait City Forum." Liang asserted that the forum is fundamentally a municipal matter for Taipei and not inherently a cross-strait issue, a perspective that appears to challenge the framing often presented by Taipei City Mayor Chiang Wan-an.

“

The Cross-Strait City Forum is actually a municipal affair of Taipei City. It is not a cross-strait issue. If Taipei City Mayor believes that exchanges with Shanghai can provide information or exchange experiences, and benefit Taipei City's urban governance and development, then it is Taipei City's business. If Shen Po-yang is elected Taipei Mayor and believes this matter is not useful for Taipei City's municipal affairs, then that is Taipei City's business, and it has nothing to do with cross-strait issues.

Chiang has consistently portrayed the forum as the "only remaining official channel for cross-strait exchange," emphasizing its importance in maintaining communication, especially during difficult times in relations between Taiwan and mainland China. He has advocated for continuing the exchanges based on principles of equality, dignity, goodwill, and mutual benefit.

“

The Cross-Strait City Forum is currently the only official exchange channel remaining between the two sides. The more difficult cross-strait relations become, the more communication and exchange are needed. We will continue to uphold the principles of equality, dignity, goodwill, and mutual benefit to allow exchanges between these two cities.

However, Liang's remarks, as interpreted by political commentator Chou Hsuan, suggest that Chiang has been overstating the forum's significance. Chou argues that Liang's clarification effectively undermines Chiang's narrative, implying that Taipei's interactions with any international city are part of its municipal governance and do not require exclusive focus on Shanghai. This viewpoint aligns more closely with the idea of "limitless city forums," as proposed by DPP legislator Shen Po-yang, suggesting that Taipei should be open to exchanges with various global cities based on their benefit to Taipei citizens, rather than solely prioritizing a politically charged cross-strait platform.

“

Deputy Minister Liang's remarks have already caused internal damage to Chiang Wan-an, because Chiang Wan-an recently said: 'The Cross-Strait City Forum is currently the only official exchange channel remaining between the two sides.'