Yaita Akio’s Viewpoint” Three psychological changes of Taipei citizens reflected in “Ocean Currents”

In the recent Taipei mayoral election, a striking phenomenon emerged: "ocean currents."

The election, which was originally considered to be more blue than green, began to change. Shen Boyang's campaign attracted a large number of people, and many images, videos and various creative works spontaneously produced by young people appeared on the Internet. Shen Boyang's approval rating has almost caught up with the current mayor Jiang Wanan.

I believe that the emergence of "ocean currents" reflects three psychological changes among Taipei citizens.

First, expect professionalism and keep up with the new era.

The world is changing dramatically. U.S.-China competition, supply chain reorganization, and artificial intelligence revolution are constantly rewriting the international order and industrial structure. Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore are all looking for new positions. If Taipei does not pursue changes, it may fall behind other international cities in many aspects.

The future mayor of Taipei, in addition to doing a good job in basic municipal administration such as transportation, food safety, urban maintenance, and social welfare, also needs to understand technology, industry, and international situations, and be able to lead our capital to usher in a new era.

Shen Boyang put forward a comprehensive range of municipal proposals. He was well aware of the various difficulties faced by Taipei citizens, was good at communication, and demonstrated his sincerity and ability to "solve problems." Elections are meant to select talents and talents, and his outstanding performance has won the recognition of more and more people.

Second, look forward to change and see hope.

Chiang Wanan recently proposed the campaign slogan "Taipei Encore". "Encore" means that after the concert, the audience is still unsatisfied and hopes that the singer will sing another song. But are Taipei citizens satisfied with the past four years?

What citizens expect is not only a convenient life and more subsidies, but also hope that young people can live and work in peace and contentment, that international companies are willing to invest, and that Taipei can once again become a desirable city. In the past four years, no one has felt any concrete changes in these aspects.

"Taipei Encore" emphasizes continuation. "Taipei Gets Up" emphasizes change. Two different urban visions. Obviously, more and more citizens accept the latter.

Third, rethink the meaning of security.

In Taiwan's elections in the past few years, the saying "vote for the Democratic Progressive Party will send young people to the battlefield" has often appeared. Today, some KMT supporters still question Shen Boyang's anti-China stance, believing that his election may stimulate Beijing and trigger a crisis across the Taiwan Strait. However, China's political and military intentions towards Taiwan, involving China's own strategic goals, military capabilities, international environment and war costs, are beyond the control of any Taiwanese politician.

Being close to Beijing does not mean security, nor does taking a tough stance mean war is inevitable. True security requires adequate preparation, effective deterrence, urban resilience and international cooperation.

Looking back, the emergence of "ocean currents" may be because the world is changing, and some Taipei citizens have begun to rethink: Who has the ability to lead the city to keep up with the times? Who can give everyone hope? Who can bring a true sense of security?