Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) in a speech at Harvard University yesterday compared Taiwan’s democracy to spicy hot pot, saying it is “not perfect,” but makes you “keep coming back for more.”
Chiang is in Boston as part of his 11-day trip to the US, during which he is also making stops in New York and Philadelphia.
In his 20-minute speech followed by a question-and-answer session, Chiang commented on Taipei’s diversity, democracy, ties between Taiwan and the US, and municipal resiliency.
Photo: Tony Yao, Taipei Times
While the US has been called a “melting pot,” Chiang said that Taipei is more like a hot pot with a “variety of textures and flavors.”
“Democracy is like spicy hot pot to people in Taipei,” he said. “It’s not perfect. Its spices may make you sweat, but you keep coming back for more. And if you dig in for more, you’ll realize that there’s more in it.”
Democracy, freedom and the rule of law are the bedrock of sustainable prosperity, he said, adding that this spirit is the basis of consensus among political parties and all municipal discussions in Taipei.
“Through the bonds of democracy, our hot pot remains ever fresh and never runs dry,” he said.
Asked by reporters afterward whether he would share Taiwan’s experience of democracy with his Chinese counterparts during the Twin-City Forum with Shanghai, Chiang said he is willing to share Taiwan’s democratic success with the world.
While in Boston, Chiang said he also met with Mayor Michelle Wu (吳弭) to exchange views on making their cities more family-friendly and resilient.
Additional reporting by CNA
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