Shanghai–Taipei City Forum Concludes with a Message of Dialogue and Cooperation

Shanghai — The annual Shanghai–Taipei City Forum was held on Sunday in Shanghai, China. Addressing the forum, which was organized under the theme “Technology Transforms Life,” Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said, “If there is a sincere willingness for exchanges, the distance between the two sides of the Strait will not remain far.”

Noting that current cross-strait (Taiwan Strait) relations are tense and uncertain, Mayor Chiang emphasized the importance of dialogue. He explained that the forum has been continued because of the belief that “engagement is better than confrontation, dialogue is better than conflict, understanding is better than misunderstanding, and interaction is better than hostility.” He also expressed a shared vision, stating, “When the two cities prosper, both sides of the Strait prosper.”

Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng also attended the forum. Describing the Shanghai–Taipei City Forum as an important platform for cooperation between the two cities, he said it stands as a testament to a friendship that has endured distance across the Taiwan Strait and the test of time.

According to Mayor Gong, this year’s forum will focus on the application of artificial intelligence (AI), technology-driven urban governance, public safety, and areas related to people’s livelihoods, with exchanges of experience and knowledge. It is expected that these efforts will bring direct benefits to citizens on both sides, enhancing life satisfaction and a sense of security.

Prior to the forum, Mayor Gong and Mayor Chiang met on Sunday. During the meeting, Gong referred to Chiang as an “old friend of the people of Shanghai,” according to Taiwanese media reports.

Mayor Chiang said that maintaining direct dialogue amid rising cross-strait tensions has been reassuring for people on both sides. “There is no substitute for face-to-face meetings. The more difficult the situation, the more necessary such exchanges become,” he noted.

Zhang Wensheng, Vice Dean and Professor at the Taiwan Studies Institute of Xiamen University, commented that such dialogue channels are even more important and meaningful under current circumstances. He noted that although the forum, organized by the two municipal governments, is semi-official in nature, it addresses issues related to urban development and public welfare and therefore has direct relevance to the public. Even when official-level exchanges are suspended, the forum plays a role in maintaining stability.

According to Taiwan’s local media outlet Taipei Times, a 120-member delegation from Taipei traveled to Shanghai for this year’s forum, including the speaker of the city council, 10 city councilors, and various municipal government officials.

Established in 2010 and held alternately in Shanghai and Taipei, the forum has become an important platform for dialogue and cooperation between the two cities. To date, the two sides have signed 49 memorandums of understanding on exchanges and cooperation.

Statistics show that as of the third quarter of this year, Shanghai has approved more than 20,000 Taiwan-invested enterprises, attracting approximately US$47.38 billion in investment. Currently, Shanghai hosts 15 Taiwan-invested listed companies, 33 regional headquarters, and 40 research and development centers.

Taiwanese journalist Chen Shih-chang, writing in local media, noted that in the current tense atmosphere, programs like the Shanghai–Taipei City Forum are extremely valuable and worthy of encouragement. He argued that younger generations in particular should prioritize dialogue over political and ideological prejudices.

Analysts say that despite political obstacles, the need for dialogue does not disappear. Although Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has recently sought to tighten regulations on travel to mainland China, public dissatisfaction with such measures has reportedly been growing.

On this issue, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of China’s State Council, accused the DPP administration of abusing its authority to obstruct Taiwan residents’ travel to the mainland and cross-strait exchanges.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s regional legislature has recently approved an impeachment motion against regional leader Lai Ching-te, proposed by opposition parties, further intensifying the island’s political climate. Analysts note that dissatisfaction within Taiwanese society is becoming widespread, with concerns that divisive and aggressive policies have caused serious damage to cross-strait exchanges.

Against this backdrop, the Shanghai–Taipei City Forum is widely viewed as an important effort to keep dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation alive despite strained relations.