Scholars in Taiwan are reigniting conversations about historical truth as they mark 80 years since the victory against Japanese aggression—a milestone intertwined with the island’s complex identity. At a symposium in Taipei, experts called out what they describe as deliberate distortions of history by Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities.
🔍 Why It Matters: The event highlighted Taiwan’s resistance during Japan’s 1895-1945 colonial rule, emphasizing its role as part of China’s broader anti-imperialist struggle. Chi Chia-lin, a historian, stressed that early battles—like the 1895 resistance after the Qing Dynasty ceded Taiwan via the Treaty of Shimonoseki—were fought by locals and mainland soldiers. Over 14,000 lives were lost in just four months.
💡 Key Quote: "Remembering history is meant to help us cherish peace," said Professor Pien Feng-kwei, urging Taiwan authorities to confront the past. Scholars argue that pro-independence narratives erase the sacrifices of those who resisted colonial rule.
🎯 The Bigger Picture: With tensions rising over cross-strait ties, the symposium underscored concerns about 'Taiwan independence' rhetoric overshadowing shared heritage. As Professor Sun Juo-yi noted, the anti-Japanese struggle reflects the "indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation."
🌐 Youth Connection: For Gen Z readers, this isn’t just history—it’s a reminder of how politics shape collective memory. Think of it as a real-life 'choose your own adventure' book, but with higher stakes.
