Taipei Mayor Urges for Fewer Military Drills and More Dialogue with China at Twin-City Forum
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) called for “fewer roaring sounds from vessels and planes” during the 15th Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum held on Tuesday. His remarks, made at the forum’s opening, emphasized the importance of reducing tensions and promoting peace, stability, and development across the Taiwan Strait.
The forum, which is held annually, brings together delegations from Taipei and Shanghai to discuss economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding. This year’s forum took place at the Regent Taipei Hotel, with more than 90 officials from Shanghai, led by Shanghai Vice Mayor Hua Yuan (華源).
Mayor Chiang’s Call for Peace and Stability
In his opening address, Chiang stressed the need for more dialogue and less confrontation, especially amidst heightened military activity in the region. He expressed his sincere hope for a peaceful resolution to cross-strait tensions, saying, “We need more fishing boats lighting up the sunset and fewer roaring sounds from vessels and planes.”
While he did not directly mention China in his remarks, the mayor’s statement was seen as a call for reduced military presence and fewer military drills near Taiwan. His emphasis on peace and cooperation underscored the importance of fostering mutual understanding, particularly during difficult times.
Shanghai Vice Mayor’s Remarks on Cross-Strait Exchanges
Shanghai Vice Mayor Hua Yuan, who led the 92-member Shanghai delegation, highlighted the successful exchanges between the two cities and the positive impact on Taiwanese businesses in Shanghai. Hua also pointed out that more than 500,000 Taiwanese people have visited Shanghai this year, including over 200,000 young visitors.
“People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait have always been one family,” Hua stated, underlining the value of cross-strait exchanges in building stronger ties and ensuring the welfare of Taiwanese people.
Controversy Over Travel Restrictions and Protests
One of the major topics discussed was the potential for Chinese citizens to visit Taiwan. Despite Chinese authorities maintaining strict travel restrictions, Hua expressed his desire to facilitate visits from Shanghai residents, particularly to Taipei. However, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) raised concerns over the authority of the Shanghai government to make such statements, as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) in China only allows residents from Fujian to visit Taiwan’s Kinmen and Matsu islands.
While the forum was ongoing, protests erupted outside the Regent Taipei, with opposition parties such as the New Power Party and Taiwan Statebuilding Party voicing their opposition to China’s influence in Taiwan. Slogans such as “Reject United Front, Kick Out the Chinese Communist Party” were heard, and a man dressed as Winnie-the-Pooh joined the protest, holding a sign that read “Remove Xi at Year’s End.”
Forum’s Significance and Future Outlook
The Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum has been held annually since 2010, alternating between the two cities. Last year, Chiang led a delegation of over 100 individuals to Shanghai. This year’s forum is seen as a critical moment for dialogue amid increasing regional tensions.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Forum Name | 15th Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum |
| Location | Regent Taipei Hotel |
| Date | December 2024 |
| Taipei Delegation | Led by Mayor Chiang Wan-an |
| Shanghai Delegation | Led by Vice Mayor Hua Yuan |
| Main Discussion Points | Peace, stability, cross-strait exchanges, economic cooperation |
FAQs on the Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum
Q1: What is the Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum?
A1: The Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum is an annual event aimed at fostering dialogue and cooperation between Taipei and Shanghai, focusing on economic, cultural, and social exchanges.
Q2: Why did Mayor Chiang call for fewer “roaring sounds from vessels and planes”?
A2: Mayor Chiang’s statement was a call for reducing military tensions in the Taiwan Strait, advocating for more peaceful dialogue and less military activity near Taiwan.
Q3: What did Shanghai Vice Mayor Hua Yuan say about cross-strait exchanges?
A3: Hua emphasized the importance of cross-strait exchanges, highlighting the large number of Taiwanese visitors to Shanghai and the significance of these exchanges in strengthening ties between the two sides.
Q4: How did the Taiwanese government respond to Hua’s remarks on travel restrictions?
A4: Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council questioned the Shanghai government’s role in the matter, noting that the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism controls travel policies regarding visits to Taiwan.
Q5: Were there any protests during the forum?
A5: Yes, protests occurred outside the forum venue, with opposition groups voicing their opposition to China’s influence in Taiwan, including a protestor dressed as Winnie-the-Pooh.
