‘Retrocession’ misleads
The Taipei Times defined Retrocession Day as a day marking the end of Japanese rule in Taiwan (Editorial, Oct. 29, page 8). You gave a good definition, but the word “retrocession” itself is misleading when used for Taiwan.
According to Webster’s Dictionary, “retrocede” means “to go back or to cede back [as a territory].”
This is the term that has been used by the Republic of China (ROC) since 1945 after the ROC “victory” over Japan. It wrongly implies that Taiwan was given or ceded back to the ROC.
Every year on Oct. 25, the ROC government wants Taiwanese to celebrate Retrocession Day for “returning to the motherland’s embrace.”
Historically and legally, Taiwan was ceded permanently to Japan in 1895 by the Qing Empire in the Treaty of -Shimonoseki, and whose control was renounced by Japan, without specifying the beneficiary, in the San Francisco Peace Treaty in 1951 and the Treaty of Taipei in 1952. The legal status of Taiwan is therefore still undetermined.
The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) likes to twist history, misinterpret treaties and misuse words to its advantage. Their claim of “victory” over Japan and use of the word “retrocession” are typical examples of attempts to fool Taiwanese. President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) has purposely made mistakes in citing historical facts. His favorite topics are “one China” and the “1992 consensus.” In a Japanese expression, these are all considered “horse-deer” talks — meaning absurd words. It is unfortunate that Taiwan has a president who is dishonest about history, rebellious to former presidents Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) and Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣經國) and disloyal to all Taiwanese.
CHARLES HONG
Columbus, Ohio
Racist terms lead to racism
In your story on the so-called “1992 consensus,” President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) refers to all Chinese and Taiwanese as yan huang zisun (descendants of emperors Yan and Huang), ie, that all Chinese and Taiwanese are the same race (“‘1992 consensus’ is basis of ties: Ma,” Oct. 30. page 8). This is not the first time he has said this, nor is he the only official that thinks in this way. When I talk about this with my Taiwanese friends, all seem to accept this as common knowledge and an undeniable truth. However, I can not escape the feeling that it is simply not true and extremely racist.
Besides the fact that Taiwan has a large Aboriginal population and an even larger population of those of mixed Aboriginal and Chinese descent, surely there are also many descendants of Japanese and Dutch colonialists living in Taiwan. Furthermore, if my memory serves me correctly, 15 percent of brides in Taiwan last year were foreigners. While it may be true that Ma is a descendant of emperors Yan and Huang, it is untrue to claim this for the whole population.
China is the same, with a multitude of ethnicities and races whom I am positive do not consider themselves descendants of emperors Yan and Huang.
When a country defines itself by race, then a situation akin to Nazi Germany seems to be the only possible outcome. I hope Ma and all Taiwanese can realize this and amend their thinking accordingly.
BILL MCGREGOR
Fengyuan City
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