Reported 11 months ago
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taipei City Councilor Li Chien-chang stated on June 6 that Hualien's tourism industry is not recovering due to the earthquake, but because most Hualien residents support Kuomintang legislative caucus leader Fu Kun-chi and Hualien County Magistrate Tsai Chi-pe husband and wife, leading to fewer people consuming in Hualien. The remarks sparked controversy, after which he apologized on the 7th. Vice President Lai Ching-te, who hails from Hualien, responded that Hualien now needs warm support, urging people not to view it from a political angle. Amidst Hualien's tourism slump, businesses need to reflect on themselves. The Taipei office of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association representative Katsuyuki Katayama called for over 40 people to form the 'Taiwan-based Japanese Hualien Support Group,' conducting a 2-day, 1-night trip to Hualien in recent days. Lai Ching-te visited Hualien today to meet with the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, thanking them for their support. This visit marks Lai Ching-te's first return to Hualien since taking office. When asked about the controversial remarks from the local councilor she emphasized the need for more warmth in Hualien post-earthquake, supporting this with practical actions, such as bringing 40 party members to Hualien for a trip and filming videos showcasing Hualien's attractions, emphasizing the recovery of many worth-visiting and beautiful places in Hualien despite Taroko Gorge's lengthy recovery process. She concluded to collectively strive to make Taiwan better without viewing it through a political lens.
Source: YAHOO