Hsinchu County Magistrate Yang Wen-ke's Shenzhen Visit Criticized for Poor Timing; Cheng Chao-fang Says It Was Likely Pre-arranged

(CNA, Hsinchu County, July 9) Hsinchu County Magistrate Yang Wen-ke's recent visit to Shenzhen for exchanges has drawn criticism for its inappropriate timing. Hsinchu City Mayor Cheng Chao-fang stated today that every chief executive has a pre-set itinerary, and Yang Wen-ke's trip was likely pre-arranged. He also expressed hope for cooperation among all levels of government in disaster prevention to mitigate impacts.

The Taiwan Forward Alliance held a press conference in front of the Hsinchu County Government yesterday, stating that Yang Wen-ke traveled to Shenzhen for exchanges on July 3rd, departing as a typhoon approached. They also pointed out that heavy rainfall in Hsinchu County on June 26th caused flooding and other disasters in many areas of Zhubei City, questioning whether the exchange activities were more important than the lives and property of the public.

In response, Cheng Chao-fang told reporters today that every chief executive has personal itineraries. He believes Yang Wen-ke's current trip was pre-arranged. Furthermore, typhoons are natural disasters, and every chief executive will diligently focus on disaster prevention. He is confident that Yang Wen-ke will have effective response measures.

Regarding disaster response in Zhubei City, Cheng Chao-fang said that the primary responsibilities for police, transportation, education, and disaster prevention systems lie with the Hsinchu County Government. Local townships are subordinate units, and they will assume responsibility if authorized.

He cited an example where, upon receiving authorization to decide on work and school suspensions, they responded within an hour. He hopes that through cooperation among all levels of government, the impact of disasters can be minimized, which is what the public expects from a responsible and cooperative government.

The Hsinchu County Government previously stated in writing that Yang Wen-ke was invited by the Shantou City Taiwan Compatriot and Relative Friendship Association, the Xi'an Incident Memorial Hall, and others to participate in cross-strait exchange activities from July 3rd to 9th, in accordance with the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area and relevant regulations. Subsequent leave procedures were handled in accordance with the law and comply with current regulations. (Edited by Li Hsi-chang) 1150709

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