Scholar Calls for Enhanced Humanistic Education in Military After Company Commander Insults Taiwanese-Japanese Dual-National Conscript
A military service conscript with dual Taiwanese-Japanese nationality serving in Yilan's Jinliujie was insulted by his company commander in public. A military scholar suggests the armed forces should strengthen humanistic education to prevent recurrence. The Army's Sixth Corps Command has removed the commander, initiated punishment, and started a judicial investigation.
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- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 21:32
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(Central News Agency, Taipei, 21st) A military training conscript with dual Taiwanese-Japanese nationality serving in Jinliujie, Yilan, was frequently insulted in public by his company commander. Military scholar Su Tzu-yun stated today that he believes this should be an isolated case and that the armed forces can work from the angle of strengthening humanistic education and humanitarian thought to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Regarding the conscript's claim on social media about being insulted by his company commander in public, the Army's Sixth Corps Command stated yesterday that it took the report very seriously. The command immediately removed the company commander from his leadership position and issued a severe punishment. The case, involving public insult, was proactively referred to judicial authorities for investigation, with a promise of no leniency.
Retired Major General Yu Tsung-chi, former dean of the Fu Hsing Kang College at the National Defense University, told a Central News Agency reporter that the military's ideological education must be comprehensively reviewed and updated. He noted that past spiritual education heavily focused on the war of resistance against Japan, leading some officers to develop an irreconcilable hatred towards Japan during their training. He argued that the education system should invest more in the study of modern warfare and understanding of the international situation.
Yu stated that history must be integrated with the international situation. Indulging in the harm Japan caused to China during the eight-year war of resistance also falls into China's narrative, which aims for Taiwan to stand with China. However, the greatest threat to Taiwan's national security now is China, not Japan. As democratic countries like the United States, Japan, and Taiwan confront China in the first island chain, the armed forces need to incorporate analysis of the current international situation and development trends into their莒光日 (Juguang Day) and ideological education courses, so that all military personnel have a clear concept of friend and foe.
Su Tzu-yun, Director of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research's Division of Strategic and Resource Studies, pointed out that the armed forces can start by strengthening humanistic and humanitarian education. For example, different regional commands of the U.S. military even produce educational materials (Cultural Awareness Cards) on local cultures and traditions to show respect for different peoples and cultures. The Taiwanese military can also enhance its humanistic education to prevent similar incidents, which is extremely important for the soft power of an armed force.
Regarding the history of war, Su said that democratic countries like the U.S. and the U.K. emphasize reconciliation rather than hatred, often stressing "one can forgive but not forget." For example, U.S. and Japanese veterans attend memorial ceremonies together in Hawaii to jointly mourn the war dead.
Su explained that in military education, Taiwan can refer to the practices of countries like the U.S. and the U.K. By educating officers and soldiers about wrongful acts in past wars, such as attacking the unarmed or torturing prisoners of war, they can gain a clear understanding of the laws of armed conflict. By increasing the humanistic and humanitarian thinking of military personnel, they will understand that the democratically-elected government entrusts them with heavy equipment, and they must better understand the concept of equality in human rights. Only then will they be qualified to serve in the armed forces to protect the country. (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng) 1150421
Regarding the conscript's claim on social media about being insulted by his company commander in public, the Army's Sixth Corps Command stated yesterday that it took the report very seriously. The command immediately removed the company commander from his leadership position and issued a severe punishment. The case, involving public insult, was proactively referred to judicial authorities for investigation, with a promise of no leniency.
Retired Major General Yu Tsung-chi, former dean of the Fu Hsing Kang College at the National Defense University, told a Central News Agency reporter that the military's ideological education must be comprehensively reviewed and updated. He noted that past spiritual education heavily focused on the war of resistance against Japan, leading some officers to develop an irreconcilable hatred towards Japan during their training. He argued that the education system should invest more in the study of modern warfare and understanding of the international situation.
Yu stated that history must be integrated with the international situation. Indulging in the harm Japan caused to China during the eight-year war of resistance also falls into China's narrative, which aims for Taiwan to stand with China. However, the greatest threat to Taiwan's national security now is China, not Japan. As democratic countries like the United States, Japan, and Taiwan confront China in the first island chain, the armed forces need to incorporate analysis of the current international situation and development trends into their莒光日 (Juguang Day) and ideological education courses, so that all military personnel have a clear concept of friend and foe.
Su Tzu-yun, Director of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research's Division of Strategic and Resource Studies, pointed out that the armed forces can start by strengthening humanistic and humanitarian education. For example, different regional commands of the U.S. military even produce educational materials (Cultural Awareness Cards) on local cultures and traditions to show respect for different peoples and cultures. The Taiwanese military can also enhance its humanistic education to prevent similar incidents, which is extremely important for the soft power of an armed force.
Regarding the history of war, Su said that democratic countries like the U.S. and the U.K. emphasize reconciliation rather than hatred, often stressing "one can forgive but not forget." For example, U.S. and Japanese veterans attend memorial ceremonies together in Hawaii to jointly mourn the war dead.
Su explained that in military education, Taiwan can refer to the practices of countries like the U.S. and the U.K. By educating officers and soldiers about wrongful acts in past wars, such as attacking the unarmed or torturing prisoners of war, they can gain a clear understanding of the laws of armed conflict. By increasing the humanistic and humanitarian thinking of military personnel, they will understand that the democratically-elected government entrusts them with heavy equipment, and they must better understand the concept of equality in human rights. Only then will they be qualified to serve in the armed forces to protect the country. (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng) 1150421