Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and challenger Shen Yi-pin will meet in their first televised debate today, October 31, at noon, as the mayoral race enters its final stretch.
Debate Divided Into Four Stages With Cross-Examination
The debate, hosted jointly by TVBS and Sanlih Television, will run from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the TVBS studio, according to UDN. The debate is divided into four stages: opening statements, cross-examination, media questioning, and closing statements. TVBS anchor Huang Xinghua and Sanlih Television anchor Li Wenyi will co-host. TVBS News Department Deputy Manager Fan Qiming and Sanlih News Network Senior Director Huang Yanjie will serve as media questioners.
The debate will begin with opening statements. Shen Yi-pin will speak first for eight minutes, followed by Chiang Wan-an for eight minutes. The cross-examination phase will consist of eight questions, with each candidate asking four questions to the other, accompanied by a follow-up opportunity. The media questioning segment will involve questions from TVBS and Sanlih representatives. Finally, each candidate will deliver a six-minute closing statement, with Chiang Wan-an speaking first followed by Shen Yi-pin.
Venues for Viewing the Debate
The debate will be broadcast on TVBS News Channel (Channel 55) and Sanlih News Channel (Channel 49). Viewers can also watch online via the TVBS YouTube channel, Sanlih News Network YouTube channel, and LINE TV. In Taipei, the debate will also be shown at Crater Lounge in Wanhua District (with a one-drink minimum) starting at 11:30 a.m., and at Tun Tun Bookstore on the third floor in Zhongshan District, which is already fully booked with 70 attendees. In Kaohsiung, the debate will be shown at Longcheng Palace in Fengshan District starting at 12:00 p.m., and the public is invited; further entry requirements are to be announced by the organizers, according to Business Weekly.
Shen Yi-pin’s Commitment to a Full Term
Shen Yi-pin has pledged to serve a full four-year term if elected, rejecting the possibility of accepting a central government position during his tenure. If I am elected, I will definitely do a full 4 years, he stated during an interview, according to Mirror Media. He differentiated his commitment from the potential for opportunities at the central level, emphasizing the unique responsibilities of a Taipei mayor.
Focus on Civil Defense and Community Engagement
Shen Yi-pin plans to prioritize civil defense initiatives as mayor, emphasizing the role of the local chief executive. He cited the example of the Guangfu Township disaster, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and clearly defined roles in emergency response. He also discussed the importance of bolstering civil defense systems, as reported by CNA.
Chiang Wan-an’s Anticipated Debate Strategy
Political commentator Wen Langdong predicts Chiang Wan-an will employ six key strategies. These include appealing to family values, highlighting his experience, contrasting his “steadfastness” with Shen Yi-pin’s perceived inconsistency, and addressing concerns about his recent health. Wen also anticipates Chiang will focus on his record and vision for Taipei, according to SETN.
Wen Langdong also predicted Chiang will attempt to portray Shen as inconsistent on key issues, such as drug policy and capital punishment. He also anticipates attacks on Shen’s attendance record at legislative committee meetings. The strategy aims to question Shen’s commitment and experience.
Recent Campaign Developments and Public Attention
The debate occurs amid increased scrutiny of both candidates. As ETtoday reports, Shen Yi-pin has gained momentum in recent weeks, compelling a response from Chiang’s campaign. Shen’s campaign emphasizes clear policy proposals and his connection with the public, often using the slogan “Yang Liu” (meaning “Yang current”) to describe his growing momentum. His campaign collected numerous opinions from citizens through the Mayor, Listen to Me initiative, which he intends to incorporate into his platform.
Security Measures and Protests
Ahead of the debate, Taipei police increased security around TVBS headquarters in anticipation of potential protests.
The Importance of the Election
The election is seen as crucial, with the Epoch Times highlighting its importance as a key test before the 2028 presidential election. This is the second nationwide election since President Lai Ching-te took office, and follows the 2025 recall elections.