Pressed in the city council on how she defines the cross-strait relationship, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen offered only a single statement of principle — hardly satisfying for those hoping for a clear position.

• DPP city councillor Lin De-yu asked her whether the relationship between the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China amounts to the "two-state theory" or a "special state-to-state relationship." She answered: "Uphold the Constitution, safeguard the Republic of China."
• Lin De-yu went on to say that upholding the Constitution means ensuring that the two sides of the strait are not subordinate to each other, and that Taiwan has never been ruled by the People's Republic of China.
• Lu Shiow-yen had twice previously urged the central government to pay attention to the Trump-Xi meeting and to convene a National Security Council meeting, prompting questions about why a city mayor so frequently speaks about national security.
• Lin De-yu also noted that aides from the city government had resigned to join the campaign headquarters of Lee Si-chuan, the KMT's candidate for New Taipei mayor, suggesting she was laying the groundwork for a presidential run and building a wider network of contacts.
• He called on Lu Shiow-yen to fulfil her duties as mayor through to the end of her term.

Outlook: Lu Shiow-yen is unlikely to say more about her position on cross-strait relations any time soon, and observers will continue to read her national security remarks and personnel moves for signs of a presidential bid.