Chiang Wan-an apologizes after symbolic sugarcane gift left at temple

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an issued an apology after a gift of sugarcane, presented to him during a temple banquet, was left behind at the Zhongzhuangzai Fude Temple. The incident occurred during a dinner for the temple's deity birthday, where Lin Chun-yu, the temple chairman, presented the sugarcane to symbolize “rising step by step.”

Clarifications from local officials indicated that Chiang, who was busy toasting guests, had asked a village leader to assist in moving the sugarcane from the stage. While volunteers took custody of the item, it was inadvertently left at the venue following the event. Chiang has since contacted Lin to apologize and has arranged to retrieve the gift.

The incident has drawn social media attention comparing the event to a 2015 occurrence involving former President Tsai Ing-wen. In 2015, then-DPP Chairperson Tsai received multiple stalks of high-node sugarcane from Changhua County officials, a gesture interpreted as a wish for her political advancement. Following that gift, Tsai was elected President in 2016 and re-elected in 2020.