TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taichung City Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) announced plans on Monday (Dec. 16) to visit Japan next year, although the itinerary remains under development. Taichung City recently formed a sister city relationship with Miyazaki Prefecture (宮崎縣), Japan. Lu emphasized Japan's significance as a sister and friendly city partner, second only to the United States, expressing a commitment to reciprocate the gesture.
During a civil affairs committee meeting in Taichung City Council, Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) Councilor Liu Shih-chou (劉士州) highlighted a budget proposal exceeding NT$4 million for city exchange visits next year. Liu suggested the city government organize a return visit to Japan. Lu, whose travel plans were previously hindered by the pandemic, now calls for increased international outreach to promote Taichung, noting the Taichung Shopping Festival (台中購物節) has already enlisted ambassadors from Belgium, Singapore, and Japan for promotional support.
Political analysts observe that Lu's previous visits to Singapore and the United States align with her diplomatic strategy, and Liu urged her to maximize her remaining two-year term by engaging in more international visits. With the groundwork for future exchanges laid, the focus now shifts to executing these plans and strengthening international ties.