TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) announced Monday (Dec. 1) that the Shanghai-Taipei City Forum will take place in late December following coordination between the two cities on administrative details. Officials will announce exact dates once planning is finalized. The Taipei City Government canceled its participation in the forum Sept. 22 due to unknown circumstances but has since resumed preparations for the cross-strait dialogue event.
Taipei Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-hua (林奕華) stated during a Nov. 25 interview that the forum will take place in late December, with precise dates to be confirmed soon. Speculation suggests the event might occur from Dec. 25 to 27 based on scheduling discussions between the cities. The forum aims to promote cooperation and exchange between Taipei and Shanghai, strengthening bilateral ties through dialogue and collaboration on shared urban challenges.
China's Taiwan Affairs Office (國台辦), Beijing's agency handling Taiwan relations, voiced Nov. 26 that communication between Shanghai and Taipei remains strong despite the earlier September cancellation. The office emphasized China's consistent support for cross-strait exchanges and cooperation including city-level interactions between municipal governments. It expressed hope that increased exchanges would enhance the well-being and harmony of people across the Taiwan Strait, promoting peaceful development through practical cooperation.
The Shanghai-Taipei City Forum serves as a platform for dialogue and exchange between the two cities, facilitating discussions on urban governance and mutual concerns. Anticipation builds for the forthcoming forum as Taipei and Shanghai finalize administrative plans and coordinate logistics for the cross-strait municipal dialogue. The event represents ongoing efforts to maintain city-level communication channels despite broader political tensions. ◼