Two Lakes Forum Begins in Nantou; Wen Shih-cheng: Refuse to be a Stage for China's Two-Faced Strategy

(CNA Reporter Hsiao Po-yang, Nantou, 22nd) The Sun Moon Lake and West Lake "Two Lakes Forum" began today. The Nantou County Government stated that the two municipalities are engaging in multi-faceted experience exchange and sharing; however, DPP Nantou Magistrate candidate Wen Shih-cheng said he welcomes equal exchanges but refuses to let Nantou become a stage for the other side's two-faced political strategy.

The 18th Two Lakes Forum was held today at the Wyndham Sun Moon Lake hotel in Nantou County. Nantou Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua and Hangzhou City Vice Mayor Lu Xiaguang co-hosted the opening ceremony. The county government's press release stated that the main themes of exchange are arts and culture, healthy cities, tourism, and youth development, sharing experiences between the two municipalities and hoping to co-create a new thinking model beneficial for future development and cooperation.

The Presidential Office announced on the night of the 21st that President Lai Ching-te was scheduled to visit Taiwan's African ally, the Kingdom of Eswatini, on the 22nd, but the trip was urgently postponed due to Chinese interference. With Nantou County and Hangzhou City holding an exchange today, media asked Hsu Shu-hua for her views on China's interference with President Lai's trip. Hsu kept a low profile and did not respond directly, only stating that forum press releases and photos would be provided after the meeting, adding, "Thank you everyone for your hard work."

Wen Shih-cheng issued a press release stating that Taiwan is a democratic country based on freedom, equality, and the rule of law, upholding the principles of open exchange and rational dialogue. He welcomes exchanges and cooperation with all countries based on equality and respect, but refuses to let Nantou become a stage for the other side's "two-faced political strategy." Suppressing Taiwan internationally on one hand while discussing local cooperation on the other is an insincere approach that is absolutely unacceptable.

Wen Shih-cheng said he supports the government's stance in safeguarding sovereignty. China's interference and suppression of President Lai's itinerary have impacted regional peace and stability and are unhelpful to the development of cross-strait relations. While the Chinese delegation's participation in the forum shows Taiwanese society's openness and tolerance, interactions between countries should be built on mutual respect and should not involve suppression through political or economic means.

(Editor: Hsieh Ya-chu) 1150422