New Taipei City Mayor Hou Youyi Opposes One Country, Two Systems and Emphasizes Taiwan’s Democratic Values

At the moment of the 2024 presidential election, New Taipei City Mayor Hou Youyi’s cross-strait discussions have attracted the attention of the government and the opposition. The Democratic Progressive Party Group of the New Taipei City Council yesterday repeatedly attacked cross-strait issues during the city general inquiry. Hou Youyi emphasized that “there is only one country.” The Republic of China is the legal name of the country and is a sovereign independent country. “I oppose one country, two systems, and Taiwan independence.” He bluntly said that he does not accept ideological division of the country, or taking the meaning out of context to make the country internally confront, “Don’t question everyone, as if we are not patriotic.”

General Inquiry of the New Taipei Assembly Talks about State Issues

The general questioning of the New Taipei City Council is expected to end next Monday (15th), and this week is the questioning period of the DPP group. Hou Youyi is a popular candidate for the 2024 presidential election of the Kuomintang. Yesterday, the Democratic Progressive Party Group of the New Taipei City Council “asked” Hou Youyi on national affairs issues.

Congressman Zheng Yuen said that many blue camp representatives believed that the United States’ increase in arms sales to Taiwan might lead to a crisis in the Taiwan Strait, and questioned Hou Youyi’s opinion. Hou said that according to the Constitution of the Republic of China, we have national defense, the national anthem, the national flag, and the title of the country, strengthen the self-defense capabilities of the military, deepen freedom and democracy, and maintain stability across the Taiwan Strait and regional peace. There is no doubt about this.

Regarding the Ukrainian-Russian war, Hou Youyi emphasized that the whole world, regardless of the United States and China, hope to play a mediating role in this war. The Republic of China also provides humanitarian assistance. “No one wants war.” Peace is the best option, and war is zero-sum The game is very cruel, and the crisis can be minimized through diplomatic means before the conflict breaks out, and the two sides need to treat each other peacefully.

Councilor Carina Cheung mentioned the reduction of the number of seats in the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, referring to the “1992 Consensus” of Chinese President Xi Jinping, which is one country, two systems. Does Hou Youyi agree?

The country tells the Republic of China that there is no need to provoke confrontation

Hou Youyi clearly replied, “I oppose one country, two systems.” Taiwan has its own democratic values, and he also firmly believes in Taiwan’s democratic values. The reduction in the number of seats in Hong Kong’s parliament is affected by internal problems, not caused by a single level. Hou Youyi said that his proposition has always been very clear, “The Republic of China is our country, and Taiwan is our home.” Right now, we are standing at the New Taipei City Council of the Republic of China. Our country is called the Republic of China. There is nothing to discuss about this.

Councilor Zhou Yaling asked whether “Taiwan” is a sovereign and independent country? Hou Youyi responded forcefully, “The Republic of China is a sovereign and independent country.” He also reminded Zhou Yaling that there is still the Constitution of the Republic of China, “Don’t forget the rule of law.”

Hou Youyi also asked the congressman to give him a minute to respond well, pointing out that everyone is a “Taiwanese girl”, how can there be any difference between you and me? Some issues do not respond directly, because they believe that confrontation and conflict are unnecessary, and provoking ideology is not good for anyone.

Regarding the “Washington Declaration” issued by South Korean President Yoon Suk-yue and US President Biden a few days ago, the two presidents emphasized the necessity of peace across the Taiwan Strait. Hou said that he is happy to see stability in the region and more friendly countries. Good neighborliness is what makes the world peaceful and stable strength.

Which country is the one that disrupts regional peace? Hou emphasized that the most important thing is to maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait, follow our own path, and have our own responsibilities.

Councilor Chen Qi-neng once again asked about the threat of a shared plane disrupting Taiwan. Hou bluntly said that “national sovereignty cannot be provoked.” Chen Qineng asked, what if there is a war between the two sides of the strait? Hou asked, “I must stand up and defend my home and country, isn’t that what everyone should do?”

Chen Qi-neng asked again, does this mean that he agrees with “You are the mayor of New Taipei, Taiwan?” Hou emphasized that “I am the mayor of New Taipei, Republic of China.” This must be made clear, “The Republic of China is my country, Taiwan is our home, Both sides can take good care of each other, and both sides can shout, but the Constitution of the Republic of China does not say “Taiwan, Republic of China”.

Visited AIT 8 times to meet Li Yingjie and Sun Xiaoya

Former President Ma Ying-jeou recently criticized President Tsai Ing-wen’s claim that “the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not affiliated to each other” violated the Constitution. Chen Qi-neng believed that Ma’s remarks were inappropriate and the courtesy of the head of state should be cancelled; Assure.

Congressman Zheng Yuen asked, how many times has Hou been to the Taipei office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT)? Who are you meeting with? Hou answered 8 times, most of which were seeing the director Sun Xiaoya and the former director Li Yingjie. As for whether he met Bu Ruizhe or not, Hou Xiao replied, “That’s what the newspaper said”, so there’s no need to talk about it among friends.