Chiang Melts Cross-Strait Ice with Both Softness and Firmness
United Daily News, August 31, 2023
The Taipei-Shanghai City Forum, often dubbed the “Twin Cities Forum” in Chinese, marked the first visit of Taipei Mayor Wayne Chiang to mainland China. During the main forum held on August 30, Mr. Chiang, in a groundbreaking move, invited Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng to take a selfie, momentarily causing heightened tension among mainland security personnel but astonishing the public. Mr. Chiang, not only young and handsome but also displaying a style different from typical government officials, is making a unique impression. Mr. Chiang’s approach, characterized by "balancing softness with firmness," left a positive impression on his maiden voyage with the saying that good relations between the two cities will lay the foundation for good cross-strait relations (雙城好兩岸好). This has also brought about an opportunity for thawing cross-strait tensions.
Cross-Strait Tensions and 2024 Pressure Mounting
Over the past three years, the Twin Cities Forum was forced to transition to online events due to the pandemic. This year marks the first physical exchange post-pandemic. Given Mayor Chiang’s status as the fourth generation of the Chiang political dynasty, this visit is drawing significant attention as he is seen as "crossing history and connecting with the future."
Before the Twin Cities Forum, various factors such as mainland Chinese military exercises, aircraft provocations, and the temporary halt of Taiwanese mango exports intensified cross-strait confrontation. Additionally, with the 2024 presidential election approaching, Mr. Chiang faced immense pressure regarding his attendance. He waited until the last week to formally announce whether he would participate. The caution exercised by the municipal government surpassed previous years, as Mr. Chiang had to delicately balance avoiding being tarnished by political opponents on one hand and promoting positive cross-strait exchanges on the other, making the situation particularly sensitive.
"Prosperity for Twin Cities, Harmony across the Strait" Replaces Previous Political Code Words
In his discourse at this year's Twin Cities Forum, Mayor Chiang did not echo former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je's "cross-strait family" sentiment, nor did he reiterate the KMT's "1992 Consensus." This subverted the preconceived notion of requiring political code words in the dialogue. Mr. Chiang instead referenced a quote from late President Chiang Ching-kuo: "Times are changing, the environment is changing, and trends are changing." He called on both sides to "pragmatically address development and peacefully pursue win-win outcomes."
During his first meeting with Mayor Gong, Mayor Chiang stated that mainland Chinese friends often praise "Taiwan's most beautiful scenery is its people." However, he believed that Taipei's most beautiful quality is its inclusivity and diversity. Taipei and Shanghai are remarkably alike, he said, expressing his feelings in a phrase often used by Taipei residents: "For Shanghai, I have a lot of feelings." This statement earned him applause from the audience, bridging the gap between the two sides. During the main forum, Mr. Chiang further emphasized "Prosperity for the Twin Cities, harmony across the Strait," aiming to expand the basis of mutual interaction between Taipei and Shanghai, which has continued for the past 14 years, into a broader cross-strait dialogue and, ultimately, promote peace.
Mayor Gong expressed that the Twin Cities Forum has provided Shanghai with much inspiration. He hopes to fully utilize this platform for communication, friendship, and heartfelt exchanges. He aims to strengthen the bonds of compatriotism, emphasizing the close ties between people on both sides of the strait. Shanghai will continue to respect and care for Taiwanese compatriots, promoting economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two sides. He also looks forward to the united efforts of Shanghai and Taipei, jointly crafting a new chapter in integrated development.
Mayors Chiang and Gong exchanged a Spring Pond Glass handcrafted vase and a magnolia blossom porcelain, symbolizing peace across the strait. In his speech, Mr. Chiang cited two Tang Dynasty poems, using the metaphor of sailing across the water to describe cross-strait relations, highlighting the need to find shared values and dialogue, especially in times of turbulent cross-strait relations.
Taipei Agricultural Products and Red Pandas: Chiang Highlights Responsibility to Speak Up
The central theme of this Twin Cities Forum is the well-being of people on both sides of the strait. During the banquet two nights ago, Mayor Chiang reportedly raised the issue of Taiwanese agricultural product exports to Mayor Gong. He proposed that Taipei City has the Taipei Agricultural Products Marketing Corporation, which can facilitate "Taiwanese farmers to plant with confidence, and Shanghai residents to eat with a peace of mind" through project-based cooperation, fostering mutual benefits for the people of both cities.
He also remembered a colleague at the Taipei City Zoo who lamented the urgent need to find mates of distant bloodline for red pandas at the Zoo. Mayor Chiang suggested engaging in exchanges with the Shanghai Zoo. Mayor Gong, during the meeting, expressed that further cooperation in areas such as the zoo, culture, sports, and fruit trade can be pursued in the future.
Mayor Chiang stated yesterday that he grasps the impact brought about by the absence of official communication channels between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. He noted that mainland China has repeatedly restricted the import of Taiwanese agricultural products, affecting the livelihoods of farmers. Therefore, during his first meeting with Mayor Gong, as part of the Twin Cities Forum, he felt that as the only official exchange channel between the two sides, it was his responsibility to advocate for Taiwanese farmers.
Inviting Gong Zheng to take a selfie became a highlight, causing some security personnel to become a bit nervous.
In the past, the main forums of previous Twin Cities Forums were typically serious affairs. After the mayor's speeches, there would be ceremonial gestures, followed by special lectures and the signing of memorandums of cooperation. However, this year, at the end of the main forum, Mayor Chiang took out his mobile phone and asked Mayor Gong to take a selfie with him. Mr. Gong's cooperation in this light-hearted moment made the selfie a major highlight of this year's main forum.
Due to Mayor Chiang’s goodwill and friendliness, Mayor Gong graciously participated in the selfie, waving to the camera. Although this process briefly made nearby security personnel nervous, it allowed people on the other side of the strait to feel the personal charm of Mr. Chiang.
The mainland Chinese have always been curious about the Chiang family. On his first night in Shanghai, Mayor Chiang visited the renowned City God Temple night market, experiencing the grassroots economy of Shanghai. As soon as he stepped out of his car, a wave of "Chiang fans" emerged on the streets of mainland China. Originally, his staff had only arranged for Mr. Chiang to taste two types of Yu Garden delicacies, Shanghai dim sum and Taiwanese sausage wrapped in rice sausage, a Taiwanese snack popular in mainland China. However, Mr. Chiang felt the warmth of the Shanghai residents all the way, creating a sensation wherever he went. From the entrance of the temple to the end, Mr. Chiang once again demonstrated his approachability as the mayor.
Wherever Mayor Chiang went, large numbers of Shanghai residents took out their phones and took pictures, praising him as being "handsome like a star." Mr. Chiang even made a "heart gesture" above his head on the spot, melting the hearts of the onlookers. They exclaimed, "He's too handsome; we're his fans now!"
Throughout this visit to Shanghai, Mayor Chiang displayed his down-to-earth nature wherever he went. According to some mainland Chinese, Mr. Chiang, unlike the serious Shanghai mayor, is "more lively and quite nice," leaving a notable impression with this trip.