MAC: Cheng Li-wen's veiled mention of the Republic of China echoes CCP's historical narrative

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen today visited Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing to pay respects to the founding father, Sun Yat-sen. A eulogy read by KMT spokesperson Chiang Yi-chen began with "On April 8, the 115th year of the Republic," and mentioned "restoration of China, establishment of the Republic." Cheng Li-wen subsequently delivered a public speech, stating that Sun Yat-sen "founded the first democratic republic in Asia—the Republic of China." Regarding Cheng Li-wen's remarks at Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated in writing this afternoon that Cheng Li-wen's veiled mention of the Republic of China is similar to the practices of previous KMT chairpersons who visited mainland China. Mainland media would not report these statements, which are only for domestic consumption. The MAC pointed out that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) positions Sun Yat-sen as the "forerunner of the Chinese revolution" and claims to be his legitimate successor, completely disregarding the fact that the Republic of China (Taiwan) has existed to this day. As KMT chairwoman, she should have rejected such terminology. "However, from Lien Chan in the past to Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen now, they have all complied without objection, and even deliberately echoed the CCP's historical narrative, which differs from the perception of the Taiwanese people, and is regrettable." Cheng Li-wen's speech began by mentioning that Sun Yat-sen passed away on March 12, 1925. At that time, international media extensively reported on it, but Taiwan had been a Japanese colony for 30 years, and Taiwanese people could not express their grief over Sun Yat-sen's death directly like Chinese nationals on the mainland. She also said, "After Mr. Sun Yat-sen's death, he rose to the international stage and joined the ranks of world luminaries not only because he overthrew the Qing Dynasty and founded the first democratic republic in Asia—the Republic of China"; but also because Sun Yat-sen dedicated his life to fighting for all weak nations with similar destinies worldwide. Therefore, Sun Yat-sen is particularly revered, "becoming the mentor for Taiwan's national liberation." Cheng Li-wen also mentioned that Sun Yat-sen's will particularly emphasized, "To achieve freedom and equality for China, we must awaken the world's nations that treat us equally to fight together." Therefore, in the process of China achieving freedom and equality, it should not forget to extend empathy to others, join hands with all weak nations in the world, treat each other equally, and thoroughly end imperialism, "absolutely not like Japan back then, only thinking of its own rise and then replicating Western imperialism." (Editor: Chen Kai-yu) 1150408