Taipei’s ‘nonconformist’ mayor Ko Wen-je tries to paint himself as person Beijing can trust despite past stance on independence
- Independent politician uses trip to mainland China to express support for friendly relations, saying we are all part of ‘one big family’
- Careful positioning offers Ko a chance to present himself as an alternative to traditional mainland friendly opposition
Taipei’s mayor Ko Wen-je, a possible presidential candidate, has presented himself as someone Beijing can trust by offering himself as an alternative to traditional mainland-friendly politicians.
The independent, once seen as a hardline pro-independence supporter, received a warm welcome during a three-day visit to Shanghai this week after adopting what one observer described as a “nonconformist” stance towards cross-strait relations.
Ko, who led a high-powered delegation of businessmen, councillors and officials from the city, told a forum on Thursday that it was important to maintain friendly ties between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait because they belonged to“one big family.”
“Cross-strait engagement must be consistent and guided by a stable policy with respect for past interaction and agreements signed by the two sides,” Ko told the 10th twin city forum between Taipei and Shanghai.
“The two sides should continue to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations in line with the existing basis,” he said, adding that better relations could only be achieved through “mutual recognition, understanding, respect, cooperation and consideration”.