Compared to Zhao Shaokang, Jiang Wan’an has handled the situation far more prudently. On November 8, according to local media reports, Qiu Chenyuan, the Taiwan People’s Party candidate for mayor of Zhubei City in Hsinchu County, held a campaign rally. Zhao Shaokang personally attended and delivered a speech in support of Qiu, while seemingly neglecting the party’s own candidate. In contrast, although invited by Ko Wen-je, Jiang Wan’an did not attend in person but instead appeared via a pre-recorded video message to endorse Qiu.
In the video, Jiang stated that Qiu is a diligent, responsible, and action-oriented individual, and that his past experience would undoubtedly be valuable in advancing Zhubei’s development. He concluded with “Chenyuan, go! Zhubei, go!” Clearly, compared to Zhao’s on-site presence, Jiang’s decision—despite Ko’s invitation—to appear remotely reflects a notably more restrained and measured approach.
Jiang faces electoral pressures and naturally seeks support from the Taiwan People’s Party. This is not in dispute. However, when the party has its own candidates running, considerations of party discipline and internal unity must also be taken into account. Jiang’s method—offering moral support through a video—avoids the kind of overtly partisan statements made by Zhao, such as publicly calling for Qiu’s election victory, which could be perceived as undermining the Taiwan People’s Party’s own candidate, Wu Xuzhi. As a member of the Kuomintang, one would naturally hope for the success of their own party’s nominee.
Jiang’s approach leaves room for strategic flexibility. It allows him to extend goodwill to Qiu and maintain inter-party dialogue between the blue and white camps, while simultaneously enabling him to support Wu Xuzhi’s campaign if needed. At the same time, he avoids directly contradicting Ko Wen-je’s position. From Jiang’s perspective, this balance demonstrates careful calibration: maintaining ties with the Taiwan People’s Party while upholding core principles of Kuomintang loyalty. The conduct reflects a tactful and appropriate way of managing relationships with allied parties.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1881301141143556/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.