Lee Chien-long: Striving to Return to Power in 2028, the Year-End Battle for New Taipei Carries Heavy Responsibility

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Wang Hung-kuo, New Taipei, 13th) KMT Vice Chairman and Secretary-General Lee Chien-long today called for a 'decisive battle in New Taipei' regarding the year-end election, stating that the outcome carries heavy responsibility and will determine whether the KMT can return to power in 2028. Mayoral candidate Lee Sichuan emphasized fighting the battle across all 22 counties and cities.

Lee Chien-long and KMT New Taipei mayoral candidate Lee Sichuan attended the New Taipei Citizens' Service Association's member representative assembly today, receiving a warm welcome. In his speech, Lee Chien-long said that while the KMT's decisive battleground was once considered central Taiwan, this election's focal point is now New Taipei. He stressed that the year-end election carries immense responsibility and that getting Lee Sichuan into New Taipei City Hall is a shared aspiration.

Lee Chien-long stated that whether the KMT can win the 2026 election—and thus return to power in 2028—rests in the hands of New Taipei's 4 million residents. He urged everyone to cast their sacred vote for Lee Sichuan.

Lee Sichuan said that while Lee Chien-long spoke of a 'battle in New Taipei,' he himself advocates a 'battle across 22 counties and cities.' Everyone is fighting, especially in New Taipei, where progress must be passed from one leader to the next. For example, former mayor Eric Chu proposed the 'MRT 3 loops, 3 lines,' and current mayor Hou Yu-ih expanded it to '3 loops, 7 lines.' With future projects like the Shenkeng Line, Zhonghe Guangfu Line, Wutai Light Rail, and Taiban Light Rail in planning, Lee Sichuan will announce his MRT policy next week, including the undergrounding of the Shulin railway.

Lee Sichuan also pledged to advance the construction of the Lushe Bridge. By connecting via Provincial Highway 64, Highway 65, and rail networks, he aims to extend the AI and high-tech industrial corridor from Taipei's Beitou Sci, Nansoft, and Neihu Science Park to New Taipei's Luzhou, Wugu, Tucheng, Shulin, Xindian, Banqiao, and Danshui Phases II and III. This will create a 30-minute commute zone and an AI technology industrial chain between the two cities, generating more job opportunities for New Taipei's youth and achieving co-governance, co-prosperity, and mutual benefit for the dual metropolis. (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150713