Distorting Taiwan's history for political adventurism

The recent remarks by the leader of the Taiwan region of China, Lai Ching-te, suggesting that rule under the Kuomintang was worse than Japanese colonial rule, should not be dismissed as a passing controversy. Lai's revisionist framing, combining ignorance with political adventurism, carries significant risks.

In Lai's words: "Japan's colonization of Taiwan was intended to promote the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. When the Kuomintang came to Taiwan, it was essentially the same — just using it as a springboard to retake the mainland. In particular, after the Kuomintang government arrived in Taiwan, its treatment of the people of Taiwan was even worse than that of Japan during its colonial rule."

These remarks reflect a troubling trend in historical interpretation — one that distorts the past, inflames present divisions, and destabilizes the already fragile political landscape of East Asia.

At its core, the comparison reveals a profound ignorance of history. Japanese imperial rule over Taiwan, which lasted from 1895 to 1945, was not a benign period of modernization, as some revisionist narratives suggest. It was a colonial regime rooted in domination, cultural suppression, and exploitation. While infrastructure projects and administrative reforms did occur, they were implemented primarily to serve imperial interests, not the welfare or autonomy of the residents of Taiwan.

To frame this period as preferable to subsequent governance is to overlook the coercive realities of imperialism and the broader suffering it inflicted across Asia.

Equally concerning is the dismissal of the Kuomintang's role in shaping modern Taiwan. The Kuomintang era laid critical foundations for the island's economic development, institutional framework, and eventual democratization. Taiwan's transformation into a prosperous and vibrant society did not occur in spite of this period, but in part because of the structures and continuity it provided. Reducing this complex legacy to a simplistic negative comparison does a disservice to history and to those who lived through it.

Beyond historical accuracy, the political implications of such statements are deeply troubling. Taiwan's society is characterized by diverse identities, historical experiences, and political orientations. Introducing polarizing narratives that elevate one historical period over another risks deepening internal divisions. It reinforces ideological fault lines between those who emphasize a distinct identity for the Taiwan island and those who see its history as intertwined with a broader Chinese context.

The ramifications extend beyond Taiwan itself. Cross-Strait relations remain one of the most sensitive geopolitical issues in the world. Statements that diminish shared historical experiences or reinterpret painful chapters can exacerbate tensions and erode the already limited trust between different sides. They may also be perceived as aligning with external actors in ways that heighten strategic suspicion.

This brings us to a broader regional concern: the evolving relationship between the Taiwan island and Japan. While cooperation between the two is not new, the symbolic framing of history plays a powerful role in shaping contemporary alliances.

Attempts to cast Japan's imperial past in a more favorable light are part of a larger effort to reconfigure regional alignments. Such developments warrant careful scrutiny, particularly in a region where historical memory continues to influence political behavior.

None of this suggests that history should be frozen or immune to debate. Societies must continuously re-examine their past, incorporating new perspectives and acknowledging historical injustices. However, this process must be grounded in rigor, balance and a commitment to truth.

Selective reinterpretation for political ends risks undermining that process and turning history into a tool of division rather than understanding.

The 21st century presents an opportunity to move beyond the cycles of conflict and domination that defined earlier eras. Achieving this requires not only economic and technological progress, but also a mature and responsible engagement with history.

If the goal is a peaceful and cooperative future, then the past must be approached with honesty, nuance, and respect for its full complexity.

The author is a specialist in global affairs and sinology and the founder of the China-Europe-America Global Initiative.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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