Taiwan's unique historical situation has been greatly influenced by two external governing forces: Japan, from 1895 to 1945 and the ROC, from 1945 to the present.
Japanese rule was an extension of Japan's national power. After its victory in the Sino-Japanese war, Japan took over Taiwan from the Ching (
The ROC under Chiang Kai-shek's (蔣中正) command took over Taiwan from the Allied Forces in 1945. Since the ROC's rule in China was replaced by that of the PRC, Taiwan and its residents have been taken as the territory and nationals of the ROC.
Because of this special situation, it is biased to consider Taiwan's history from either the Japanese or the Chinese perspectives. Thus, the existence of colonialism in the past does not mean that the Japanese or the Chinese versions of Taiwan's history are correct -- because their interpretations are based on their own perspectives.
The colonial perspective of history, however, is quite untenable in Taiwan. Taiwan needs its own interpretation, based on its own perspectives.
Taiwan should develop local and objective historical perspectives through education and publication. We should attain a clear understanding of the facts, thereby establishing a basis for self-recognition and self-identity from our own perspective. We must understand who we really are and let the world understand who we are as well.
Taiwan's colonization has left a record of bloodshed and tears. Colonialism should never be allowed to trample on Taiwan's sovereignty. Only interpretations of history made by the people of Taiwan themselves should be acknowledged.
Lee Min-yung is a poet and president of the Taiwan Peace Foundation (TPF).
Translated by Eddy Chang
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