DPP's Shen Criticizes 'Joint Governance' Proposal, Citing Disagreement on Trash Cans
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 17, 2026 at 21:37
- 🔍 Collected: May 17, 2026 at 22:01 (23 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 17, 2026 at 22:05 (3 min after Collected)
TAIPEI (CNA) — Responding to KMT New Taipei City mayoral candidate Lee Ssu-chuan's proposal for 'joint governance' of Taipei and New Taipei, a notion echoed by Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen stated today that the two can't even agree on the issue of trash cans, and that he will first focus on grassroots visits within Taipei City.
A special screening of the film 'Paradise' was held this afternoon, attended by Shen, as well as DPP legislators Lin Yueh-chin, Wu Szu-yao, and Lai Hui-yuan, and Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lu Chien-te.
Before the event, media asked for Shen's view on Lee's call for 'Taipei-New Taipei joint governance' and Chiang's comment about working together to build a better environment for citizens. Shen viewed joint governance as an old issue, noting that similar platforms have existed in the past. He then pivoted, pointing out that Lee recently proposed installing more trash cans, while Chiang wants to remove them. 'On such a minor matter, they cannot reach a consensus. Where is this so-called joint governance?' Shen questioned.
Shen mentioned that while cooperation between cities is natural, there is also competition. The most important goal is for each to propose their vision for their city and work together to make the cities better.
When asked if removing trash cans in Taipei would help alleviate the rodent problem, Shen said the long-standing goal has been to prevent trash from being left on the ground, so the focus should be on strict enforcement. He added that citizens need trash cans, and without proper measures, they could become a source for rats.
He stated that the key is not whether to remove trash cans but their design, which is why countries around the world have various types, such as smart, compost, refrigerated, and underground bins, to meet different needs.
Regarding Mayor Chiang's morning statement that the Republic of China is a sovereign and independent country, followed by his question of whether the 'DPP will abolish its Taiwan independence clause,' and his response to Shen's comment that borough chiefs are key targets for cross-strait infiltration and should be protected, media sought Shen's perspective. Chiang had suggested asking which investigated borough chief felt they needed protection.
Shen responded that Chiang might not fully understand the situation. He clarified that the current guiding principle is the 'Resolution on Taiwan's Future,' which states that Taiwan's future is to be decided by all 23 million people of Taiwan. 'There is no Taiwan independence... (clause) anymore. Strange, isn't Chiang a law graduate?' Shen remarked.
He noted that Chiang meets with borough chiefs from all districts monthly and should be the most aware of their needs and protection. Shen reiterated his proposal for an 'Infinity City Forum' to take borough chiefs to capitals around the world to learn and exchange ideas, as Taiwan has much to offer in terms of governance that should be shared with other countries. 'This is what a capital city should do,' he said.
After the event, Shen shared his thoughts on the film, finding it very heavy. More importantly, he stressed the need to address the issues of placement agencies mentioned in the film. He noted that recent legislative amendments have been proposed, not only to care for children during their childhood but also to provide a comprehensive system of support for their life and employment after leaving the institutions, which could alleviate societal pressure.
He said that frontline social workers are currently understaffed and external social safety nets are insufficient. He hopes for systemic improvements and invited everyone to watch the film.
When asked about Chiang's upcoming visit to Yunlin to inspect school lunch ingredients and his own plans for campaign support in other cities, Shen replied that since he has just announced his candidacy, his first step is to focus on Taipei and diligently visit local communities to let everyone understand his vision for the city. He added that all of Taiwan is an ecosystem, and many policies, such as inter-city exchange and transportation, are cross-jurisdictional, and he will have more cooperation with other cities and counties in the future. (Editor: Lee Hsi-chang) 1150517
A special screening of the film 'Paradise' was held this afternoon, attended by Shen, as well as DPP legislators Lin Yueh-chin, Wu Szu-yao, and Lai Hui-yuan, and Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lu Chien-te.
Before the event, media asked for Shen's view on Lee's call for 'Taipei-New Taipei joint governance' and Chiang's comment about working together to build a better environment for citizens. Shen viewed joint governance as an old issue, noting that similar platforms have existed in the past. He then pivoted, pointing out that Lee recently proposed installing more trash cans, while Chiang wants to remove them. 'On such a minor matter, they cannot reach a consensus. Where is this so-called joint governance?' Shen questioned.
Shen mentioned that while cooperation between cities is natural, there is also competition. The most important goal is for each to propose their vision for their city and work together to make the cities better.
When asked if removing trash cans in Taipei would help alleviate the rodent problem, Shen said the long-standing goal has been to prevent trash from being left on the ground, so the focus should be on strict enforcement. He added that citizens need trash cans, and without proper measures, they could become a source for rats.
He stated that the key is not whether to remove trash cans but their design, which is why countries around the world have various types, such as smart, compost, refrigerated, and underground bins, to meet different needs.
Regarding Mayor Chiang's morning statement that the Republic of China is a sovereign and independent country, followed by his question of whether the 'DPP will abolish its Taiwan independence clause,' and his response to Shen's comment that borough chiefs are key targets for cross-strait infiltration and should be protected, media sought Shen's perspective. Chiang had suggested asking which investigated borough chief felt they needed protection.
Shen responded that Chiang might not fully understand the situation. He clarified that the current guiding principle is the 'Resolution on Taiwan's Future,' which states that Taiwan's future is to be decided by all 23 million people of Taiwan. 'There is no Taiwan independence... (clause) anymore. Strange, isn't Chiang a law graduate?' Shen remarked.
He noted that Chiang meets with borough chiefs from all districts monthly and should be the most aware of their needs and protection. Shen reiterated his proposal for an 'Infinity City Forum' to take borough chiefs to capitals around the world to learn and exchange ideas, as Taiwan has much to offer in terms of governance that should be shared with other countries. 'This is what a capital city should do,' he said.
After the event, Shen shared his thoughts on the film, finding it very heavy. More importantly, he stressed the need to address the issues of placement agencies mentioned in the film. He noted that recent legislative amendments have been proposed, not only to care for children during their childhood but also to provide a comprehensive system of support for their life and employment after leaving the institutions, which could alleviate societal pressure.
He said that frontline social workers are currently understaffed and external social safety nets are insufficient. He hopes for systemic improvements and invited everyone to watch the film.
When asked about Chiang's upcoming visit to Yunlin to inspect school lunch ingredients and his own plans for campaign support in other cities, Shen replied that since he has just announced his candidacy, his first step is to focus on Taipei and diligently visit local communities to let everyone understand his vision for the city. He added that all of Taiwan is an ecosystem, and many policies, such as inter-city exchange and transportation, are cross-jurisdictional, and he will have more cooperation with other cities and counties in the future. (Editor: Lee Hsi-chang) 1150517