Chang Tung-han and Chi Lien-cheng Support Tong Tzu-wei, Central and Local Governments Pledge to Work for Keelung

(Central News Agency reporter Shen Ju-feng, Keelung, June 13) The Democratic Progressive Party's 'Taiwan Good Life' policy briefing tour arrived in Keelung today. Executive Yuan Secretary-General Chang Tung-han and Executive Yuan Policy Advisor Chi Lien-cheng not only expressed strong support for DPP Keelung mayoral candidate Tong Tzu-wei but also briefed citizens on the government's policy achievements, hoping for joint efforts between central and local governments to advance Keelung.

During a joint media interview, Tong Tzu-wei stated that Chang Tung-han is a native of Keelung, having studied there before moving to Taipei for work, while Chi Lien-cheng is a son-in-law of Keelung and has lived in the city for a very long time. Both Chang and Chi have deep familiarity with life in Keelung and are well aware of and deeply concerned about its development status and challenges. Tong expressed hope to bring in central government resources to build up Keelung.

Chang Tung-han pointed out that both he and Chi Lien-cheng have returned to Keelung today to support future mayor Tong Tzu-wei. Taiwan's economic growth rate has reclaimed the top spot among the Asian Four Little Dragons since last year. Economic growth is closely tied to people's lives, and after years of hard work by the government and citizens, the fruits of economic growth are now being shared by all.

He noted that from former President Tsai Ing-wen to current President Lai Qing-te, the government has incorporated economic growth outcomes into the national budget. For ten consecutive years, the central government's overall budget has grown—from less than NT$2 trillion in 2016 to over NT$3.4 trillion last year, an increase of nearly NT$1.5 trillion. These funds are not kept in government coffers but are used to raise salaries, reduce taxes, enhance welfare, ease burdens, and promote infrastructure development.

Chang added that over the past decade, the central government has already invested NT$156 billion in Keelung, providing the city with transformative opportunities. He expressed hope that in the future, central and local governments will work in tandem—Keelung natives and Keelung in-laws alike—continuing to strive for Keelung's progress. Keelung residents want real development for the future, not artificial turf as a symbol of city governance. Therefore, both central and local governments will work together to build Keelung.

Chi Lien-cheng said the main purpose today was to report to citizens on the government's disaster resilience and anti-drug policies. Recently, in Taoyuan, two civilians were killed by a drug-impaired driver, a deeply saddening incident. The government has pledged strong action against drugs and drugged driving, including intercepting drugs overseas and imposing heavy penalties. He will soon convene relevant agencies to launch anti-drug initiatives. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150613