TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) has met with US officials three times in the past two weeks, prompting speculation she could mount a presidential bid in 2028.
Ingrid Larson, executive director of the American Institute in Taiwan’s Washington office, visited Taichung on Jan. 24 to meet with Lu. AIT Director Raymond Greene then visited Taichung on Jan. 29 and again on Feb. 6, meeting Lu on both occasions, UDN reported.
Lu also hinted at a possible trip to Washington in March, saying it would be an opportunity to engage in diplomacy on behalf of Taichung. Commentators have said Lu’s rapport with US officials and her support in Taichung and among KMT members could make her a strong candidate in Taiwan’s 2028 presidential election, per UDN.
The US is also reportedly interested in investing in and partnering with Taichung-based tech firms to develop a base for robotics and AI technologies. Taichung is increasingly viewed as an important economic and political center, which could make Lu an important figure for future Taiwan-US cooperation, per ET Today.
