Taipei Mayor Calls for Peace Amid Tensions

At the Taipei-Shanghai City Forum, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an called for reduced military tensions and greater dialogue with China, despite ongoing military provocations from Beijing. He emphasized the need for peace, using poetic language to advocate for 'more olive branches of peace and less sour grapes of conflict'. Simultaneously, Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported that China had sent 10 military aircraft and seven warships near the island within a 24-hour period. Chiang, representing the opposition Kuomintang party, is seen as a potential future presidential candidate and advocates for closer ties with China, although his party denies being pro-Beijing. The forum, which has been a rare platform for dialogue since 2016, highlighted the strained relations between the two sides, as Taiwan continues to enhance its defenses amidst threats. Chinese officials also expressed hope for practical cooperation, indicating a mutual interest in easing tensions.