Returning from Europe Visit, Lu Shiow-yen: Everyone is Seeking a Path for Taiwan

(Central News Agency reporter Su Mu-chun, Taichung, June 16) Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen concluded her European visit yesterday. Speaking at a joint media briefing today, she stated that Taiwan needs to go out into the world and stand on the international stage, as everyone is working to find a way forward and a path to survival for Taiwan.

From June 6 to 15, Lu led a delegation to visit three European countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria. She returned to Taiwan yesterday and, before chairing a city government meeting today, addressed the media. Lu said that visiting Europe is not easy, and despite the long journey, she was willing to go in hopes of finding opportunities for Taiwan and Taichung.

She noted that during this period, not only she but many other local leaders are traveling abroad—some to Europe, the U.S., and Singapore. Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu will continue leading a delegation to the U.S. Everyone is seeking a way forward and a path to survival for Taiwan, which she finds highly commendable.

Regarding the Cross-Strait Forum, Lu said that mayors from agricultural counties hope to participate or speak for their industries and farmers through video messages. However, she criticized the DPP government for blocking such participation, stating that this not only suppresses local leaders’ right to speak but also silences farmers and harms the people. She asked, 'How can one bear such cruelty?'

Lu emphasized that Taiwan's national situation is extremely difficult. The president cannot travel to many places, and even transiting through other countries is challenging. Therefore, when others are willing to help and travel abroad, the president should feel grateful, encourage and support them, rather than block them. 'Blocking these local leaders is equivalent to blocking farmers and hurting the people,' she said.

She stated, 'Taiwan needs to go out into the world. We need to stand on the international stage. We must find a way forward and a path to survival for our nation and our people.' (Edited by Li Hsi-chang) 1150616