TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kuomintang (KMT) Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) is set to continue her trip to the U.S., causing a stir within the opposing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Lu visited the U.S. on Tuesday (July 23) for a 10-day trip but flew back to Taiwan at 4 a.m. on Wednesday (July 24) and spent only six hours in the country. With Typhoon Gaemi’s passing, Lu intends to resume her visit, per UDN.

At Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on Friday (July 26), Lu said her visit to Taichung’s sister city in the U.S. was very important, per CNA. Diplomacy and city exchanges show integrity, and since the itinerary with the U.S. was already scheduled, it should be honored, she added.

When asked by the media if she was taking the red vest from the disaster response center on her trip, Lu confirmed she had it with her but hoped it would not be needed.

However, Lu has received flak from Taichung’s city councilors. DPP City Councilor Chen Yu-jung (陳俞融) said Lu’s priority should be disaster relief rather than traveling abroad.

Deputy Mayor Huang Kuo-jung (黃國榮) is already leading the visit and Lu should be with the citizens to help them recover from the typhoon, she said.

DPP City Councilor Lin Te-yu (林德宇) said Friday was when Taichung experienced the strongest winds and rains post-typhoon. He accused Lu of abandoning Taichung to fly to the U.S., ignoring city governance, and focusing only on her political reputation and future.