Chinese Officials Visit Taipei Amid Tensions

A delegation of Chinese officials, led by Shanghai Vice Mayor Hua Yuan, arrived in Taipei on Monday for the annual Taipei-Shanghai City Forum, a rare diplomatic engagement amid heightened tensions between Taiwan and China. The forum, hosted by the pro-Beijing Kuomintang party, is set to address agreements on healthcare and red panda conservation, despite Taiwan's government blocking some members of the delegation due to security concerns. This visit occurs shortly after China conducted significant maritime drills near Taiwan, which included simulated attacks on foreign vessels, exacerbating cross-strait tensions. As the delegation aims to maintain a 'low profile,' pro-independence protesters greeted their arrival, asserting Taiwan's sovereignty. The Taiwanese administration has also called for the release of three detained citizens in China, further highlighting ongoing diplomatic strains. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an emphasized the importance of such visits during periods of tension, advocating for continued dialogue.