Why Did Jason Chiang Launch the Ketagawa Toxic Oil Protest? Writer Reveals His Move 'Helping Lu Hsui-Yen Escape' and Sending a Major Political Favor

The carcinogenic oil scandal involving Chung Lien Edible Oils continues to escalate, with Taipei Mayor Jason Chiang calling for a protest on Ketagawa Avenue on the 25th. Local KMT leaders, including Taichung Mayor Lu Hsui-Yen—the city where Chung Lien is based and which oversees food safety—have also expressed support. Writer Pinglang Daoyu stated that Taichung is at the center of controversy over factory inspections and responsibility for public announcements. If Lu Hsui-Yen had led the protest herself, she would likely face criticism for attempting to evade responsibility. 'Chiang, like a winger in a soccer match, came in from the side to rescue Lu from a solo battle,' Pinglang noted.

In a Facebook post, Pinglang explained that during the Taipei mayoral election, Chiang consistently adopted a strategy of attacking the central government while ignoring DPP mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang. This approach heightened the blue-green political divide and allowed Chiang to sidestep scrutiny over local governance, effectively boosting his media visibility. As a result, Shen Po-yang was pushed to the political margins and even became the subject of online mockery, such as the phrase 'Listening to you is just like hearing nothing.'

Pinglang pointed out that Taipei’s geographic advantage makes it a media hotspot, and Chiang has skillfully used soundbites to become the opposition’s chief artillery against the central government. While this benefits both politicians and media, it has also led to Chiang gaining disproportionate fame, failing to uplift local KMT campaigns nationwide, and fueling internal party tensions over his potential 2028 presidential bid.

Now, with the carcinogenic oil scandal sparking public outrage, it presents an opportunity for a coordinated attack on the DPP-led central government. Chiang’s decision to lead a street protest carries dual significance. First, a unified national attack on the central government is more effective than fragmented local protests. Local elections may focus on candidate character and competence, but in reality, voter bases are already polarized—making the contest about swaying undecided, issue-driven voters without strong party allegiance.

National controversies often hinge not just on legal responsibility, but on public perception and tone. A single misstatement or refusal to apologize can trigger political backlash from centrist voters, potentially leading to a landslide defeat, as seen in the 2022 'one death, five lives lost' electoral disaster.

Second, Taipei is not the epicenter of the carcinogenic oil crisis—Taichung is. If Lu Hsui-Yen had initiated the protest, it would appear as an attempt to deflect blame through political theater. At this critical moment, Chiang’s high-profile call to protest functions like a side assist in soccer, rescuing Lu from isolation and setting up the entire party for a scoring opportunity. This act constitutes a major political favor, accumulating goodwill for future leverage.

The carcinogenic oil issue touches on daily life and food safety, directly affecting voters such as young people who eat out frequently and homemakers. Public anger stems not only from the unclear origin of responsibility but also from the chaotic management response, which is ultimately blamed on the central government.

Pinglang emphasized that the carcinogenic oil scandal has created real-life anxiety and obstacles in food purchasing, fueling nationwide fury. While the DPP scrambles to clarify accountability, the KMT and Taiwan People’s Party benefit from the expanding crisis. Chiang, recognizing the perfect timing, launched a protest from the sidelines—rescuing Lu from the dual crises of 'diseased pork' and 'carcinogenic oil'—and acting as a morale-boosting campaign sun for KMT candidates nationwide. This move demonstrates a calculated, dual-purpose political strategy.

More exclusive insights from Wind Media: · Jason Chiang or Lu Hsui-Yen: Who is the true opposition leader? Scholar analyzes his 'July 25 Ketagawa move' as a lightning strike—not just targeting the Lai administration · Joining Lu Hsui-Yen to protest carcinogenic oil! Jason Chiang blasts the Lai government for covering up: See you on Ketagawa on July 25