New Taipei Mayoral Race: AI Tech Corridor Battles Ceramic Tourism Route

The New Taipei City mayoral election kicked off on the 10th of this month across the Taipei-New Taipei metropolitan area, with Kuomintang candidate Lee Ssu-chuan and Democratic Progressive Party candidate Su Chiao-hui presenting their respective policy platforms on various issues. During a press conference, Lee emphasized that if elected, he would prioritize the construction of the "Taipei-New Taipei AI Technology Corridor," integrating technological resources from both Taipei and New Taipei to build a regional innovation ecosystem. This initiative encompasses not only software and hardware research and development, but also talent cultivation and industrial chain collaboration, with the goal of enhancing the global competitiveness of the Taipei-New Taipei area in the artificial intelligence market.

Lee further pointed out that a key piece of infrastructure is the construction of the "Lushe Bridge." Spanning the boundary between New Taipei City's Beitou District and Taipei City's Neihu District, the Lushe Bridge will provide high-speed, convenient transportation connectivity, shortening the commute time between AI research centers and innovation parks. Upon completion, the bridge is expected to attract more tech companies to set up operations in the Taipei-New Taipei area, facilitate the flow of regional logistics and talent, and create a positive cycle. This move also aligns with the central government's policy directions of "smart city" and "technological innovation," and is poised to bring higher economic output and job opportunities to New Taipei City.

In contrast, Su chose to visit the Yingge Ceramics Market, where she outlined her blueprint for tourism and commercial development to the media. Known for its ceramics since ancient times, Yingge has in recent years also become an important cultural tourism destination in Taiwan. Su stated that if elected, she would combine the extension of the MRT Sanying Line, the local characteristics of the Yingge commercial district, and the creative development of the ceramic industry to create a "new Yingge tourism route." She advocates for upgrading market facilities, increasing cultural performances, and expanding workshops to attract domestic and international tourists, thereby further boosting the prosperity of the dining, accommodation, and retail sectors.

Although the policy focuses of the two candidates overlap regarding economic development, their methods and priorities present a sharp contrast. Lee centers his approach on high technology and infrastructure, emphasizing industrial upgrading and the digital economy; Su, on the other hand, focuses on cultural tourism and local creativity, highlighting the improvement of public quality of life and local distinctiveness. This divergence also reflects the ideological differences between the Kuomintang and the Democratic Progressive Party in urban governance and economic strategy. Should Lee win the election, the promotion of the Taipei-New Taipei AI corridor could accelerate the clustering of the tech industry; if Su is elected, Yingge's ceramics and tourism economy will receive more policy support, potentially serving as a model for New Taipei City's diversified development.

Overall, the future development direction of the two cities stands at a critical turning point in this election. Whether through technological innovation or cultural tourism, both candidates have put forward concrete and actionable plans while striving to deliver visible results in the short term. When casting their ballots, voters will face a choice regarding the city's future positioning and development priorities. As the election draws near, the residents of the Taipei-New Taipei area will determine the future development path of New Taipei City amidst this contest of ideas and strategies.

(Source: Central News Agency)