Li Szu-chuan Questions "Two-State Theory" Amendment; Su Chiao-hui's Camp Urges Focus on Municipal Issues

New Taipei, May 19 (CNA) - Kuomintang (KMT) New Taipei City mayoral candidate Li Szu-chuan said today that his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rival Su Chiao-hui had once proposed a "two-state theory" constitutional amendment, while fellow DPP legislator Puma Shen claimed the party lacks a Taiwan independence platform, and that the two should provide a unified explanation. Su Chiao-hui's camp responded that returning the discussion to municipal issues is what truly benefits the city's residents. Li Szu-chuan attended a forum with local residents and grassroots cadres in New Taipei's Sanchong District, where local borough chiefs and cadres gathered, with supporters enthusiastically shouting "Get elected!". Li stated that his candidacy aims to drive New Taipei's continued upward development. He pledged to build the Lushe Bridge to enhance traffic capacity and alleviate congestion, connect with the Beitou Shilin Technology Park to create an Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology corridor, and work closely with Taipei City to jointly promote rail construction, achieving joint governance and prosperity for both cities. Regarding DPP legislator Puma Shen and Su Chiao-hui's earlier joint canvassing, Li remarked that Su had proposed a "two-state theory" constitutional amendment, yet Shen claimed there is no Taiwan independence platform. He said the two should clarify their stance publicly, and if there is a Taiwan independence platform, whether it needs to be amended. Mahenhen Yi-Ciang, spokesperson for Su Chiao-hui's campaign office, issued a press release stating that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country with the national title of the Republic of China, and the other side of the strait is also a sovereign and independent country named the People's Republic of China. That the two are not subordinate to each other is a national consensus. Mahenhen Yi-Ciang suggested that the KMT should, like Su Chiao-hui, be diligent in the New Taipei mayoral election by proposing policies that span all age groups, fields, ethnic groups, and regions to win citizen support with a complete urban vision. He added that the KMT constantly dwelling on whether the cross-strait relationship is one between states is not what voters want to see, and a greater focus on municipal discussions would be a blessing for the citizens. (Editor: Li Ming-tsung) 1150519