Taipei: The 2025 Taipei-Shanghai City Forum, the exclusive platform for direct exchanges between officials from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, will not occur in September as initially planned. The Taipei City government announced that the delay stems from “unresolved details,” emphasizing that both parties prefer a thoroughly prepared event over a rushed one.

According to Focus Taiwan, Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-hua indicated that the Taipei City government is still negotiating two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Taiwan’s central government and its Shanghai counterpart. The postponement follows reports of Mayor Chiang Wan-an of the Kuomintang (KMT) planning to lead a delegation to Shanghai for a three-day visit to attend the forum.

Lin mentioned that the MOUs were sent to the central government about a month ago to ensure compliance with regulations. She noted that one MOU is pending approval from multiple agencies, while the other still requires detailed negotiations.

Earlier, KMT Taipei City Councilor Chan Wei-yuan criticized the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) and other agencies for inefficiency and alleged obstruction, arguing that such actions do not foster mutual trust or ease cross-strait tensions. Lin clarified that it was “not necessarily MAC” delaying approval and highlighted the need for central government support.

In response, MAC Deputy Minister and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh denied any hindrance, stating that the agency has been supportive and that a consensus was reached to approve the trip this week. He expressed surprise at the cancellation, noting that visa issuance was planned for the day.

Liang reassured that despite the postponement, efforts to organize the forum will continue, with the aim of enhancing cross-strait relations through a well-prepared event.