The pan-blue camp in the era after the rule of the two Chiangs — former presidents Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) and Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣經國) — can be roughly divided into two main factions: the “true blue,” who insist on opposing communism to protect the Republic of China (ROC), and the “red-blue,” who completely reject the current government and would rather collude with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to control Taiwan.
The families of the former group suffered brutally under the hands of communist thugs in China. They know the CPP well and harbor a deep hatred for it — the two are utterly irreconcilable. However, they also cannot stand the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) prioritization of Hoklo language and culture, a phenomenon known as “Holo-ization.” The latter group, on the other hand, clings to deep-rooted Han chauvinist ideology and cannot tolerate the DPP holding power. After being manipulated by the CCP and lured in by its “united front” tactics, they have openly collaborated with it in an attempt to seize control of Taiwan through a half-baked political coup — all in pursuit of the shared fantasy of a “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
Against this backdrop, Taiwan is facing what could become its most serious existential crisis since the 1950s, which has compelled even citizens largely indifferent to politics to join petitions to recall Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) legislators who are attempting to overthrow the government. Some of the volunteers in these recall organizations have personally experienced the CCP’s crackdown in Hong Kong. It is because they can envisage the same thing happening here that they anxiously share their own experiences. They speak up out of hope that Taiwanese will cherish the nation’s hard-earned democratic system and constitutional rights, and use their votes to replace these selfish and barbaric “red-blue” legislators who are working to turn Taiwan into the next Hong Kong.
Taiwanese have truly been pushed to a pivotal, life-or-death juncture. The “true blue” faction — those who both know and loathe the CCP — can no longer stay silent. One after another, they are joining the recall movements initiated by citizens from all walks of life. Many who have joined the petitions say they have always supported the KMT. Even 87-year-old retired major general Chiu Wei-pang (丘衛邦) has spoken up, urging everyone to unite in eradicating the pro-communist cancer in the Legislative Yuan and protect the ROC. The roar of this true blue army has injected a shot in the arm to this unprecedented grassroots movement to save the nation. The KMT has been thrown into disarray, so much so that KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) made the laughable claim that the KMT is staunchly anti-communist — something even he does not believe. Attempting to deceive the public with underhanded tricks — it is no wonder that loyal party members have cast Chu aside.
On the other hand, the DPP, which rose to power waving the banner of “Taiwanization,” lacks a broader vision. The KMT and the CCP have consistently exhibited such poor character, yet the DPP has failed to gain the support of most voters. While the DPP is in power, the road ahead is bumpy and unstable. The issue is its approach to “Taiwanization”: The DPP is narrowly focused on Hoklo culture and identity, making it difficult to gain broader public support, regardless of how sound its policies might be.
When Singapore was founded, the government did not allow Hokkien — the language spoken by the country’s largest ethnic group — to dominate discussions on public affairs, which promoted the harmonious coexistence of all communities and ethnic groups. This policy is one of the key reasons that the People’s Action Party has managed to stay in power for so long, despite being criticized as being semi-authoritarian. The DPP would do well to seriously consider adopting a similarly inclusive approach.
Many ordinary citizens without any partisan affiliation are using their after-work hours — including giving up time that could be spent with their families during holidays and festivals — and donating their money and efforts to set up stalls and launch innovative campaigns to recall KMT lawmakers. They work from dawn till dusk in all weather, all while having to endure unreasonable and illegal suppression by local KMT governments alongside verbal abuse and attacks from irrational individuals. About 70 percent of this army of volunteers are women. With the maternal love they have demonstrated in protecting the next generation, they are writing a new epic that has drawn the world’s attention to this democratic movement.
The righteous and selfless sentiment of these volunteers has deeply moved the “true blue” faction. A noteworthy example is United Microelectronics Corp founder and former CEO Robert Tsao (曹興誠), who is well-versed in history and Buddhism. Tsao has not hesitated in stepping forward and collaborating with the DPP to oppose the CCP and defend Taiwan. He is also one of the leaders of the movements to recall KMT legislators and create an unprecedented moment in Taiwan’s history.
As Tsao said: “The blue KMT is anti-communist, and the green DPP protects Taiwan — thus, we should collaborate to fight against the red CCP.” His opinion is indeed the wisest and most suited to Taiwan’s current situation.
The rise of the “true blue” camp should send a clear message to the KMT that the two Chiangs and ROC founder Sun Yat-sen (孫逸仙) are watching their actions closely. The DPP, on the other hand, should learn that those who are truly loyal to the nation must be wise and farsighted, and abandon all forms of chauvinism to win back the hearts of their most loyal supporters while easing the minds of the deep-blue camp. Only then will the red-blue alliance be left with no ground to stand on.
Chang Shih-hsien is a retired civil servant.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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