Jiang Yi-zhen Abandons Council Re-election Bid; Li Sichuan Invites Her to Campaign Office, Su Tsiao-hui Expresses Respect

(CNA, New Taipei, June 10, Reporter Wang Hung-kuo) Kuomintang (KMT) New Taipei City Councilor Jiang Yi-zhen announced she is abandoning her campaign for re-election. KMT's candidate for New Taipei Mayor, Li Sichuan, stated that he would invite her to his campaign office if she is willing. Meanwhile, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) mayoral candidate Su Tsiao-hui said she respects that everyone has their own pace.

Both Li Sichuan and Su Tsiao-hui attended the 80th-anniversary celebration of the New Taipei City Chinese Medicine Commercial Association and the opening ceremony of the "2026 Shennong Herbal Culture Festival" this morning. Despite the heavy rain, Li Chien-lung, chairman of the Xians嗇宮 temple and KMT vice-chairman, warmly received members from both the blue and green camps, creating a lively scene.

When asked by the media about Jiang Yi-zhen's decision, Li Sichuan stated that Jiang is an outstanding young member of the KMT who has contributed significantly to the Tushusanying area (Tucheng, Shulin, Sanxia, Yingge). He plans to talk with her and, if she is willing, invite her to the campaign office, where he will unite all forces regardless of party affiliation.

In her interview, Su Tsiao-hui said, "I think every person and every camp has their own rhythm, and we respect that."

Media also asked about the recent controversy over the Taiwanese pronunciation of Sanchong or Sanchongpo. Li Sichuan responded that he has been speaking Taiwanese for over 60 years and while his Taiwanese-accented Mandarin has been questioned before, he never expected his Taiwanese to become an issue and a subject of smearing due to an election. He noted that DPP members also speak the same way, "It's okay for them, but not for me. I don't think an election needs to be run this way. Stop the smearing."

Regarding the Taiwanese language controversy, Su Tsiao-hui also stated, "We have always been striving with a positive and vision-oriented attitude. My team and I have never attacked our opponent, nor have we authorized anyone to do so." She said she will maintain this positive, hopeful attitude and continue to work together towards a better New Taipei City. (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150610