MAC Approves Shanghai Delegation to Attend Taipei Forum Amid Rising Tensions

MAC Greenlights Shanghai Delegation’s Participation in Taipei-Shanghai Forum

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) of Taiwan has given its conditional approval for a Shanghai delegation to attend the 15th Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum next week. The decision comes amid rising concerns over Chinese military activities near Taiwan, which have intensified tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

A Step Toward Cross-Strait Communication

At a press conference on Wednesday, Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑), Deputy Head and spokesperson for the MAC, confirmed that Taiwan’s government has agreed to allow the delegation to participate in the forum, scheduled for December 17, 2024. Liang emphasized that this move is intended to promote a “harmonious atmosphere” and foster goodwill in cross-strait relations.

“We are extending the utmost goodwill to facilitate the delegation’s attendance,” Liang said. However, he also cautioned that if the situation between Taiwan and China deteriorates due to increased pressure from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the Taipei City government would be prepared to postpone the event. Liang made it clear that any decision to delay the forum would be made collectively by both central and local governments.

Defining ‘Deterioration’ in the Situation

When pressed about what constitutes a “deterioration in the situation,” Liang refrained from providing specifics. He mentioned that a deterioration could manifest in various forms, and the MAC would closely monitor the situation before making any final decisions. The growing Chinese military presence near Taiwan has raised concerns, particularly following recent actions by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the region.

Increasing Military Tensions Around Taiwan

In the lead-up to the forum, China’s military activities have escalated. On Monday, PLA warships were seen operating in Taiwan’s surrounding waters, and several airspace zones near the coast of Zhejiang and Fujian provinces were designated as “temporary reserved areas” by the PLA. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that 53 PLA aircraft were detected in the vicinity of Taiwan over a 24-hour period, with 23 crossing the Taiwan Strait median line.

Despite these tensions, the Taipei City government maintains that the Twin-City Forum remains an essential platform for dialogue. Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) expressed his belief that maintaining communication is vital, noting that the forum is one of the few remaining “valuable” channels for engagement between the two sides.

The Importance of the Twin-City Forum

The Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum, which has been held annually since its inception in 2010, serves as a key platform for cooperation and exchange between the two cities. In 2023, Taipei Mayor Chiang led a delegation to Shanghai, marking his first visit to the city since taking office in late 2022. This year, a 102-member delegation from Shanghai, led by Deputy Mayor Hua Yuan (華源), will travel to Taipei to participate in discussions and sign agreements on areas such as smart medical care and zoo animal exchanges.

Controversy Over Hosting the Forum Amid Military Tensions

Despite the forum’s role in fostering cross-strait exchanges, Taipei’s decision to host the Shanghai delegation has sparked controversy, especially in light of the recent escalation of Chinese military activities. Critics argue that the forum could be seen as a gesture of goodwill toward China amid increasing threats, raising concerns about the potential for political manipulation.

Mayor Chiang’s Stance on the Forum

In response to these concerns, Mayor Chiang affirmed that the Taipei City government believes the forum should continue, as it provides an opportunity for constructive dialogue between the two cities. He emphasized that the forum is not only valuable for Taiwan’s democratic resilience but also an important opportunity to promote peace and understanding across the Taiwan Strait.

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