【Epoch Times, September 25, 2025】Taiwan Strait Mainland Affairs Council Vice Chairman Shen Youzhong explained today that during the process of Taipei City government’s application to hold a twin-city forum, the Mainland Affairs Council has made every effort to assist and there have been no unreasonable obstacles. He warned that the Chinese Communist Party is intent on eradicating the Republic of China and annexing Taiwan. Citizens should not become a pawn used by the CCP to divide Taiwan.
Regarding the temporary halt by the Taipei City government to participate in the Shanghai twin-city forum, Shen Youzhong clarified the review process of the Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum. Shen Youzhong mentioned the three main points of debate in the public discourse:
Firstly, concerning the memorandum, the Mainland Affairs Council, based on its responsibilities, actively coordinated with various ministries after receiving the submission from Taipei City government at the end of August. Consistent communication was maintained with the Taipei City government, and consensus was reached on September 19, expecting approval before departure.
Secondly, regarding the itinerary, following Taipei City government’s submission on September 11 and final supplementary documentation on the 19th, the Mainland Affairs Council immediately agreed, and the Immigration Department issued permits on the morning of the 22nd, leaving ample time before departure.
Thirdly, concerning the preemptive reminders from the government to the city government, it was purely to ensure that Taipei could engage in pure municipal exchanges with Shanghai, avoiding involvement in united front activities and matters that exceed municipal scope or encroach on central government responsibilities. These reminders were made in good faith to clarify responsibilities.
Shen Youzhong expressed that the Mainland Affairs Council regrets the unfounded accusations made by certain media or so-called “informed sources” who clearly hold specific biases, accusing the council of obstruction and hindering exchanges without understanding the process. These accusations lack verification and evidence.
Moreover, Shen Youzhong reiterated, “At the same time, we once again remind that the CCP is intent on eradicating the Republic of China and annexing Taiwan. Citizens should not deliberately ignore national security and united front risks. National sovereignty and security are our greatest common denominators and shouldn’t be divided along partisan lines or become a point of division exploited by the CCP.”
Previously, on the 22nd, Shen Youzhong spoke on an online political commentary program, stating that Taipei City government submitted their documents at the last minute, and various departments expedited the review process as quickly as possible, with plans to issue permits on the morning of the 22nd for the entire delegation, including Taipei Mayor Jiang Wan-An. Shen expressed his disappointment, feeling that the distance between Taipei City government and Shanghai seemed closer than between Taipei City and the Mainland Affairs Council.
He stressed that the Mainland Affairs Council is a facilitating entity and has provided assistance without hindrance, ensuring expedited assistance. Shen noted that Jiang Wan-An is a descendant of the Chiang family and currently serving as the capital’s mayor, coinciding with the CCP’s “3 80th anniversaries.” He cautioned that CCP might exploit Jiang Wan-An as a propaganda tool in united front campaigns.
Shen further stated that if Jiang Wan-An’s political future continues to rise and possibly leads to the presidency, any statements made during the twin-city forum regarding the “1992 Consensus” or “cross-strait reunification” could potentially be used for international propaganda by the CCP. It is the Mainland Affairs Council’s duty to provide advice to a capital city mayor to prevent potential regrets in the future.
He emphasized that the “1992 Consensus” currently has no market in Taiwan, and it would be Jiang Wan-An’s own judgment whether he mentions related content during the Shanghai twin-city forum.
Jiang Wan-An has repeatedly stated publicly that as cross-strait relations become more challenging, communication becomes more necessary. Shen pointed out that if the relations across the strait are deteriorating, turning exchanges into political tools might further strain these relations.