Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je says that Taipei is still negotiating with Shanghai about a twin city forum. Ko was speaking on Thursday during a visit to Taipei by Shanghai's deputy mayor Weng Tiehui.
Ko said that progress towards holding the forum has been delayed by the number of details involved. He said that his personal views on the 1992 Consensus have not had any effect on talks.
Under the 1992 Consensus, Taiwan and Mainland China agree that there is only “one China” with each side having its own interpretation of what that “one China” means. Ko said that he respects China’s backing of the 1992 Consensus, while continuing to hold his own view of cross-strait relations, Ko’s "New Perspectives for 2015".
"Of course [China] will express its own view, but I personally still believe that the New Perspectives for 2015 is the new foundation for future cross-strait exchanges—getting to know each other, understanding each other, respecting each other and cooperating with each other," Ko said.
The New Perspectives for 2015 emphasizes the quality and content of cross-strait interaction.
Meanwhile, Shanghai’s deputy mayor Weng Tiehui praised Taiwan’s medical system during her visits to local hospitals. Ko said that medical exchanges will be priority at the twin city forum.