Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Boyang stated in an interview that the Taipei-Shanghai City Forum should be changed to "capital-to-capital," meaning it should be held with Beijing. He claimed that if he could go to mainland China, the other side should be nervous because he has been sanctioned — "that's what they should worry about." The Kuomintang (KMT) accused Shen of double standards, noting that he had previously labeled the forum as united front work but now says he can exchange with Beijing.
In fact, what should be questioned is not whether Shen is double-standard, but whether his understanding of the broader context of cross-strait exchanges and the sentiment of most mainland Chinese people toward Taiwan is too shallow. If he only wants to gain an advantage in political battles, it highlights a problem of "magnanimity."
On mainland social media, there are short videos of Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's speeches at the forum, and even his campaign speeches from when he ran for mayor have been dug up and received decent traffic. This is mainly because his Chiang family background gives mainlanders a sense of historical familiarity, coupled with his consistent support for cross-strait exchanges, making both mainland officials and the public not consider him "hostile"; his appearance is just a bonus.
Recently, a mainland internet celebrity went to the Taipei City Government for a meal and filmed the process; the video received millions of views on Douyin (TikTok). In particular, compared to the "dignity" of most mainland government agencies, the "accessibility" of the Taipei City Government earned praise.
This is the proper face of cross-strait exchanges and something Taiwanese can be proud to show mainland compatriots. After all, Taiwan boasts of its democracy and freedom, so naturally it should welcome mainland compatriots to visit Taiwan, rather than, like some in the green camp, constantly raising the specter of "united front infiltration," which only highlights their lack of confidence in Taiwan's social resilience.
Conversely, mainlanders' ability to praise Taiwan and see Taipei's good qualities largely depends on those who support cross-strait exchanges and are willing to open their arms to mainland visitors, rather than treating them as "hostile forces."
If Shen Boyang is elected, not to mention whether he would actually go to Beijing, if he does not change his stance of "red-baiting, anti-China, and disliking China," how could he be accepted by mainland people, let alone "interact with Beijing"? For the mainland, "Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an" represents low political conflict; Shen Boyang is currently regarded by both mainland officials and the public as a high-political conflict persona who is unwelcome. Ask yourself: which government would be willing to kiss up to someone who gives them the cold shoulder?
Shen's current proposal of "capital-to-capital" may overestimate the mainland's acceptance of him, or it may just be an offhand remark. But it also makes one wonder whether Shen, who once said "for China, exchange is part of united front work," is now feeling the pressure of "having to face cross-strait issues" as a Taipei mayoral candidate. If he continues to adopt an extreme political confrontation stance, he may not only fail to win but also drag down the DPP's city councilor candidates.
At last year's forum, Chiang Wan-an's off-script speech in Shanghai received a lot of positive feedback online in mainland China, and many mainland netizens used it to criticize mainland bureaucrats. Learning from others' strengths, rather than treating them as enemies, is the "magnanimity" that those in charge of exchanges should have. From this perspective, unless Shen Boyang can first change his "magnanimity," he will surely fail to "draw" himself as Chiang Wan-an.
