A recent survey by the Asia-Pacific Elite Interchange Association (APEIA) underscores public expectations that Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) raise concerns at the Taipei-Shanghai Twin Cities Forum about the detention of a Taiwanese Yiguandao follower in China.
The survey, conducted on December 17 and 18, polled 1,001 citizens aged 20 and above across Taiwan's 22 counties and cities via phone call. The results indicate that 70% of respondents believe Chiang should address the issue, a sentiment cutting across supporters of different political parties. APEIA Secretary-General Arthur Wang (王智盛) noted that this reflects a shared public expectation transcending party lines.
The controversy surrounding the “Chinese Taipei” phrasing during a recent exchange visit by Chinese students invited by the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation also featured in the poll. Results show 35.6% of respondents believe the foundation should bear the primary responsibility of the slip, 31.7% were undecided, 15% blamed the Chinese students, 14.4% said no one was responsible, and 3.4% held all parties accountable.
In response to allegations that Beijing is enlisting online influencers for propaganda, the survey additionally asked whether legal measures should regulate such activity. A 56% majority of the respondents across political affiliations favored legislative action while 25% opposed it.
Regarding the detained Yiguandao follower, cross-analysis revealed substantial agreement: 65% of KMT supporters, nearly 90% of TPP supporters, and 80% of DPP supporters believe Chiang should raise the issue. Wang emphasized this reflects a universal expectation for political leaders to ensure the safety of Taiwanese citizens abroad.