Understanding the Historical Context of ‘Taiwan Independence’
When Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945, celebrations erupted across Taiwan as the island returned to China. According to Chi Chia-lin, head of the Reunification Alliance Party in Taiwan, there was no consciousness of “Taiwan independence” at that time, nor any distortion of history by separatist movements.
The history of Taiwan dates back to 1624 when Dutch colonialists occupied the southern part of the island. In 1662, General Zheng Chenggong, a national hero, led an expedition that expelled the Dutch. In 1895, following Japan’s victory in the war against the Qing Dynasty, Taiwan and the Penghu Islands were ceded to Japan, leading to persistent resistance from Taiwan compatriots against Japanese colonial rule.
In 1943, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom signed the Cairo Declaration, stipulating that all territories Japan had stolen from China, including Taiwan, were to be returned. This became a reality in 1945 with the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.
Chi Chia-lin asserts that the concept of “Taiwan independence” emerged later due to historical complexities and distortions. “Separatism started to distort history, establishing and shaping the ‘Taiwan independence consciousness.’ From a historical perspective, this consciousness is fictional. Although it appears to have academic support, it is based on selectively interpreted historical materials,” he said.
The distortion of Taiwan’s history has been a topic of debate. For instance, Chi points out that recent statements by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te emphasize Taiwan’s links to globalization starting in 1624—the year Dutch colonial rule began. “The real history has been deliberately obscured. The hardships faced by the people under Dutch colonization are downplayed, while the period is portrayed as a bridge to Western civilization and parliamentary systems. This is misleading,” Chi added.
Lai’s references to Taiwan’s colonial past have been viewed by some as an attempt to solicit external support for an independence agenda. Additionally, former Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen’s focus on indigenous history is seen by critics as a political maneuver to reshape historical consciousness.
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Why there was no thought of 'Taiwan independence' before 1945
cgtn.com
