When he sits back and mulls it over, TSU chairman Shu Chin-chiang (蘇進強) might regret his recent visit to the Yasukuni war memorial in Japan. Of course, Taiwanese should remember those who fell during the World War II, but the memorial in Japan is a controversial choice due to the fact that many war criminals are also enshrined there. The visit therefore could and has been interpreted by some as endorsing Japan's imperialistic and militaristic past. One can also understand that the move was designed to counter the recent pandering to China by the KMT, but a minority party like the TSU cannot afford to upset too many people if it wishes to survive. There are many in Taiwan that will wholeheartedly support such a move, as they will eternally hold the Japanese above the Mainlanders in their affections.
But to others, most notably the Aborigines and other groups who suffered under the Japanese such as the comfort women, who hold nothing but contempt for their former colonial masters. To them this visit was an act of betrayal. It is hard to see the move winning the party any new support. Indeed, to court such controversy is counterproductive, especially at a moment when they should be busy cultivating support and recruiting members at all levels.
Don't forget, the TSU is a small party that is short of real talent and charismatic personalities -- ?qualities they will surely need in the near future should former president Lee Teng-hui (
Instead of visiting the controversial shrine in Tokyo to pay his respects to Taiwan's war dead, Shu could have shown more astute leadership and more respect by attending a less controversial remembrance ceremony on Taiwanese soil. This more appropriate act would have satisfied both the people and the party's needs, instead of just Shu's own selfish interests.
Richard Hazeldine
Taipei
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