Shin Po-tsang suggests 'capital to capital' for exchanges with China; Chiang Wan-an asks: Does any interaction with the mainland create a security breach?

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has responded to comments made by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Shin Po-tsang regarding cross-strait exchanges. Shin suggested that interactions between Taipei and mainland China should occur on a "capital to capital" basis.

Chiang, while attending the "2026 Taipei Education Expo," questioned the DPP's underlying logic. He remarked, "Doesn't the DPP say that any exchange with the mainland creates a security loophole?" This statement implies skepticism about the DPP's position on engagement with China.

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Doesn't the DPP say that any exchange with the mainland creates a security loophole?

The context for this exchange includes the arrival of two red pandas from Shanghai in Taipei on June 6. This animal exchange was part of a memorandum of understanding signed during the 2024 Taipei-Shanghai City Forum. Chiang welcomed the pandas, calling them "very cute" and expressing confidence that they would be well-received.

Shin Po-tsang, in a separate interview, had stated he was not opposed to exchanges but emphasized the "capital to capital" approach. He also noted the need for caution regarding information sharing, given China's potential to target Taiwan. Chiang's remarks appear to challenge the consistency of the DPP's approach to cross-strait relations.

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Taipei, as the capital, should be 'capital to capital'.