Chen Yun-lin, Chairman of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), visited Lien Jade Hsin Yi Mansion and Taichung Hotel in the company of Jason Hu on December 21st. Chen Yun-lin said he was very impressed with the cultural and economic achievements of Taichung City under the leadership of Jason Hu. He was willing to be the advocate of Taichung City to market Taichung as a tour destination for Chinese visitors.

The 4th “Jaing-Chen Meeting” (Straits Talks) was held in Taichung City. Chen Yun-lin at arrived Taichung Airport at noon on December 21st. In the afternoon, he visited Lien Jade Hsin Yi Mansion and Taichung Hotel with Jason Hu (Mayor of Taichung City) and Jian Pin-kung (Chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation, SEF). Chen Yun-lin was interested by the facilities in the Lien Jade Hsin Yi Mansion and asked Jiang Wei-lun, the President of Lien Jade Construction, many details, such as the price and location. Chen said that Lien Jade Hsin Yi Manson had more human and cultural designs then the residential buildings in mainland China. Even in China, there were few building could compared to the building. He was very impressed with the building.

After Lien Jade Hsin Yi Manson, Chen visited Taichung Hotel. On the 46 floor, he looked around the view of Taichung City. Jason Hu told Chen that the construction of Taichung Hotel was forced to halt due to the lack of financial support which was similar to the so called “Lan Wei Lo” (unfinished building) in China. However, after he took up the mayor office, he helped Lien Jade Construction to get the support from banks to complete the construction. The city landscape was improved and the green grass and trees were reserved. Eventually, the neighborhood of the building became booming.

After the site checks, Chen told the press that he was very happy to visit Taichung City under the occasion arranged by the Taichung City Government. Taichung City looked very energetic and culturally creative. He thanked Jason Hu for his guidance and was honored and pleased to start the 4th straits talk in such a beautiful city.

He said that Taichung was a “warm” place. Not only the weather was warm, but also the people��"they treat guests with warm hearts. Though some people protested his visit, he respected their opinion but he would give thanks to the people who gave him a warm welcome. He visited Taiwan to enhance the straits relationship with good will. He also hoped the talks would introduce the beauty of Taichung City to the people concerned with the straits relationship developments.

Chen said that he was glad to be the advocate for Taichung, such a cultural and economic competitive city. He said he regretted that he had no chance to visit Wan-Ho Temple due to the security consideration of protests.