President Lai sings at taxi charity dinner; rivals Jiang, Shen shake hands

President Lai Ching‑te of the Republic of China attended this evening’s Zhongyuan (Ghost Festival) communal dinner hosted by the Taxi Drivers’ Trade Union in Taipei, using the gathering of grassroots transport workers to convey the government’s concern and support. In his remarks, President Lai stressed that a core objective of his administration is to continuously generate more commercial opportunities for the taxi industry and, through concrete policy tools, effectively lessen drivers’ financial burdens related to vehicle maintenance, fuel, and daily operations. His arrival was met with enthusiastic applause; he then displayed a populist touch by singing two classic Taiwanese songs, including “Xiangsi Yu,” energising the crowd and underscoring his approach of connecting with ordinary citizens.

In addition to the president, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan‑an also attended the event, creating a notable political convergence. While greeting taxi drivers table by table, Mayor Chiang encountered Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Shen Po‑yang. Shen has recently been identified as an active DPP figure cultivating support in Taipei’s grassroots and is widely mentioned as a potential contender for the future Taipei mayoral race. Their interaction at the gathering—marked by a brief handshake and courteous exchange during the toasting—was seen as a politically charged moment. At a time when both the blue (Kuomintang) and green (DPP) camps are actively shaping the capital’s political landscape, the seemingly routine diplomatic gesture attracted considerable media attention and speculation.

The taxi sector has long been a vital conduit for commuting and economic activity in Taiwan’s urban areas. Drivers traverse the city’s streets daily, serving as both a cornerstone of transportation and a barometer of public sentiment. In past elections, both major camps have vigorously courted taxi unions for their strong organisational capacity and the drivers’ direct contact with a broad swath of the electorate, making the unions influential channels for shaping public opinion. President Lai’s personal appearance at the union’s Zhongyuan dinner, coupled with concrete pledges to create business opportunities and reduce costs, aims to solidify traditional grassroots support while signalling the DPP administration’s commitment to labour rights. The promises are positioned as a policy “confidence‑boost” for taxi operators amid inflationary pressures and volatile fuel prices.

Mayor Chiang’s joint appearance with legislator Shen also highlighted Taipei’s distinctive role as a political stronghold. As the incumbent chief of a directly‑controlled municipality, Chiang is expected to demonstrate cross‑party inclusiveness and the demeanor of a local “father figure,” showing courtesy when interacting with prominent green‑camp figures. Meanwhile, Shen’s participation in large‑scale grassroots union events reflects his strategy to expand political visibility and network connections within Taipei. Their brief interaction was more than a personal courtesy; it reflected the deeper dynamics of Taipei’s evolving contest between local and central political forces, where various factions have already begun extensive grassroots groundwork.

The evening unfolded amid the lively atmosphere generated by the president’s renditions of classic Taiwanese songs, while the movement of political figures added topical interest to the workers’ celebration. From President Lai’s policy announcements and personable singing to Mayor Chiang’s handshake with legislator Shen, the Zhongyuan communal dinner transcended its traditional religious and folk roots to become a platform where Taiwan’s political elite engage directly with grassroots sentiment. Through these close‑range interactions and substantive policy dialogue, the voices of frontline labour were once again spotlighted, laying subtle groundwork for future political developments.

(Source: Central News Agency)