TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) declared Sunday (Dec. 28) that cross-strait relations depend on the Shanghai-Taipei City Forum's success. Chiang emphasized that cooperation between the two cities remains critical for stability across the Taiwan Strait, the waterway separating Taiwan from mainland China, during his speech in Shanghai. The mayor asserted that if the forum thrives, both sides of the strait will also thrive. Chiang's remarks came amid heightened political tensions between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China over sovereignty issues.
Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng (龔正) highlighted shared blood ties between people across the Taiwan Strait, the waterway separating Taiwan from mainland China, in his response to Chiang's remarks. Gong emphasized that peace, development, cooperation, and exchange represent shared aspirations for both sides of the strait. He expressed hope the forum would foster city cooperation and contribute to peaceful development and integration between the two major cities across the strait.
Chiang emphasized face-to-face exchanges between the cities act as a stabilizing force amid tense cross-strait relations during the forum on Sunday. The mayor noted that the forum's continued existence itself symbolizes the strength and commitment between Taipei and Shanghai, despite political tensions. Chiang invoked the spirit of the May Fourth Movement, a 1919 Chinese anti-imperialist cultural and political movement, emphasizing that urban governance should prioritize the needs and welfare of the people above all other considerations.
Gong described Chiang as an old friend of Shanghai citizens, recalling the warm reception the Taipei delegation received during their visit last year. The Shanghai mayor expressed gratitude for the hospitality and acknowledged the tight schedule of this visit, commending the delegation's efforts to advance pragmatic cooperation between the cities. Gong expressed belief in a new era of significant development and achievements for the Chinese nation and its people on both sides of the strait, referencing Beijing's political narrative, asserting that collaboration would lead to what Chinese leadership calls the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.