Shanghai: Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an expressed his hopes for the Taiwan Strait to symbolize "peace and prosperity" during the Twin-City Forum held in Shanghai. Addressing the main session of the 16th Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum, Chiang emphasized the need for a future where the Taiwan Strait is no longer associated with "crashing waves and howling winds."

According to Focus Taiwan, Chiang's remarks come amid heightened tensions between Taiwan and China, with official communications largely suspended. He stressed the importance of engagement over estrangement and dialogue over confrontation, reiterating his commitment to the forum despite the turbulent environment.

This marked Chiang's third participation in the forum as Taipei mayor, leading a 120-member delegation. Since its inception in 2010, the event alternates between Taipei and Shanghai. In 2023, Chiang led a delegation to Shanghai, while the previous year saw a 92-member delegation from Shanghai visiting Taipei.

Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng, hosting this year's forum, stated that the theme was "Technology Changing Lives." He highlighted the signing of 47 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) over the past 15 years, emphasizing potential shared benefits in technology, urban governance, and public safety.

During a pre-forum meeting, Chiang and Gong discussed new MOUs on water management and vocational training. Unlike last year, Chiang's Shanghai visit was brief, as he planned to return to Taipei the same day to oversee security for upcoming events, following a recent knife attack.