The Aerotropolis around Taoyuan is the largest land expropriation in the democratic era. Stopping that aerotropolis is a key to the DPP’s remaining a serious party in Taiwan. It can’t just pretend to be the party of social justice and economic development for ordinary people. It actually has to be one. If Cheng flips on this, it will cost the DPP Taoyuan in 2018 and hurt its chances in the Presidential election.
By Michael Turton, The View of Taiwan
Published with permission, read the original here…
The new DPP mayor of Taoyuan municipality (Taiwan Corner: Cheng Wen-tsan) has done a 180 on the ridiculous aerotropolis project (Taipei Times)
“The groups said that Cheng supporting the project made him seem “schizophrenic” toward the issue, because when he was running for mayor on the Democratic Progressive Party’s ticket, he had vowed to reconsider it.”
“The criticism was sparked by remarks Cheng made at a municipal meeting in Taoyuan on Wednesday, where he said he would refrain from “making any hasty modifications” to the Aerotropolis project, since the plan has already been approved and changing it would “affect land prices in the area.””
“He said that the area designated for development would serve as a local commercial hub in the future, adding that the construction plans should be implemented according to the principles of democratic participation and transparency.”
The Aerotropolis is the largest land expropriation in the democratic era. Cheng’s turnaround, if it lasts, is likely due to central government pressure. The aerotropolis is a freeport that is a giveaway to land speculators and land developers, and with its suspension of many labor laws, is likely intended as a portal to let Chinese labor into Taiwan.
Taoyuan International Airport – insde the renovated airport terminal
Stopping that aerotropolis is a key to the DPP’s remaining a serious party in Taiwan. It can’t just pretend to be the party of social justice and economic development for ordinary people. It actually has to be one. If Cheng flips on this, it will cost the DPP Taoyuan in 2018 and hurt its chances in the Presidential election.
