Kindergarten Teaches Chinese Communist Party Anniversary Song; MAC Asks Taipei Education Bureau to Investigate

(Central News Agency, reporter Lu Jiarong, Taipei 11th) A parent recently revealed online that their child's kindergarten was teaching a song commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party. Deputy Minister and Spokesperson of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), Liang Wen-chieh, confirmed that a report had been received, stating the incident occurred at a public kindergarten in Taipei City, and the matter has been referred to the Taipei City Education Bureau for investigation.

The parent disclosed online that their child was practicing songs for the kindergarten graduation ceremony, and one of the songs, "Light Up the Future" (把未来点亮), is a commemorative song for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party, released in 2021.

At a regular press conference today, Liang Wen-chieh stated that the MAC received a petition and report from a citizen over a month ago. Because this involves a public kindergarten in Taipei City, the MAC forwarded the case through the Ministry of Education to the Taipei City Education Bureau for investigation and handling. No specific answers have been received so far.

Liang explained that it is currently understood that some companies produce children's songs with accompanying movement videos and provide them to early childhood education institutions. Many of these videos directly use children's songs from Mainland China, possibly to avoid copyright issues.

He said that teachers using these instructional videos may not know the origin of the songs, as the lyrics appear unproblematic at first glance. For example, the lyrics include phrases like "With you, there is warmth" and "Happiness is having you by my side." However, in this context, "you" refers to the Chinese Communist Party, as this is a song for the CCP's party anniversary.

Liang Wen-chieh stated that whether it is a public or private kindergarten, if the teachers were unaware, they should not be blamed. However, since parents have concerns, the kindergarten should handle the matter sincerely. (Editor: Yang Shengru) 1150611