1 00:00:00,440 --> 00:00:05,630 Japan colonized Taiwan in order to promote the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. 2 00:00:05,640 --> 00:00:08,820 The same applies when the Nationalist government came to Taiwan. 3 00:00:09,960 --> 00:00:12,460 It's just a springboard for the counterattack against the mainland. 4 00:00:14,440 --> 00:00:16,830 Especially after the Kuomintang government came to Taiwan 5 00:00:16,840 --> 00:00:20,773 The Taiwanese people are treated better than during colonial rule. 6 00:00:20,773 --> 00:00:22,773 Even worse than Japan's colonial rule over Taiwan 7 00:00:45,400 --> 00:00:47,780 The Kuomintang government was aiming to counterattack the mainland. 8 00:00:48,040 --> 00:00:50,910 It even emphasized that after the Kuomintang came to Taiwan 9 00:00:50,920 --> 00:00:55,100 The treatment of the Taiwanese people is worse than during the colonial period. 10 00:00:56,000 --> 00:00:59,380 If a Japanese person holds this imperial historical view 11 00:00:59,400 --> 00:01:00,780 So it's not surprising. 12 00:01:01,200 --> 00:01:04,700 But a descendant of a colonial victim 13 00:01:04,760 --> 00:01:08,300 A leader who inherited the mantle of the Republic of China said this 14 00:01:08,480 --> 00:01:10,420 That would cross a line. 15 00:01:10,640 --> 00:01:11,580 Why? 16 00:01:17,080 --> 00:01:18,190 Before talking about Lai Ching-te 17 00:01:18,200 --> 00:01:20,500 Let me start by telling you something that has deeply moved me. 18 00:01:20,680 --> 00:01:21,990 February 28th 19 00:01:22,000 --> 00:01:25,100 After the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran 20 00:01:25,240 --> 00:01:27,430 Many Middle Eastern countries have closed their airspace. 21 00:01:27,440 --> 00:01:29,060 A large number of flights were cancelled 22 00:01:29,320 --> 00:01:31,180 Many tourists were affected. 23 00:01:31,280 --> 00:01:35,780 Among them were three Middle East tour groups from Taiwan's Yutai Travel Agency. 24 00:01:35,880 --> 00:01:37,420 There were a total of ninety-three people. 25 00:01:37,560 --> 00:01:39,460 After they finished touring Türkiye 26 00:01:39,560 --> 00:01:43,660 The original flight I booked was a connecting flight to Taiwan via Abu Dhabi in the UAE. 27 00:01:43,720 --> 00:01:45,470 But after this war started... 28 00:01:45,480 --> 00:01:46,940 All flights were cancelled. 29 00:01:47,000 --> 00:01:49,940 All the tickets for the Taiwan tour group were rescheduled. 30 00:01:50,000 --> 00:01:51,470 up to four times 31 00:01:51,480 --> 00:01:53,140 Ultimately, it could not be implemented. 32 00:01:53,280 --> 00:01:56,460 They were trapped in Istanbul for five whole days. 33 00:01:56,880 --> 00:01:59,580 Because Taiwan and Türkiye do not have diplomatic relations. 34 00:01:59,680 --> 00:02:01,870 Therefore, these Taiwanese tourists had nowhere to turn for help. 35 00:02:01,880 --> 00:02:05,100 He could only contact the Chinese Consulate in Istanbul. 36 00:02:05,240 --> 00:02:09,580 We hope the mainland can help arrange for mainland aircraft to evacuate them. 37 00:02:10,079 --> 00:02:11,790 The Chinese consulate agreed without hesitation. 38 00:02:11,800 --> 00:02:14,780 Ultimately, China Eastern Airlines flight 704 was arranged. 39 00:02:14,880 --> 00:02:18,270 They brought these 93 Taiwanese tourists back to Shanghai from Türkiye. 40 00:02:18,280 --> 00:02:20,380 Then I returned to Taiwan from Shanghai. 41 00:02:20,760 --> 00:02:22,670 After being stranded for approximately five days 42 00:02:22,680 --> 00:02:28,340 Ninety-three Taiwanese tourists who were traveling in the Middle East were finally able to board a China Eastern Airlines flight. 43 00:02:28,350 --> 00:02:29,590 They will travel to Shanghai in batches. 44 00:02:29,600 --> 00:02:33,620 This group of Taiwanese compatriots came from three Middle East tour groups from the same Taiwanese travel agency. 45 00:02:47,120 --> 00:02:49,386 This matter was originally about both sides of the Taiwan Strait abandoning ideology. 46 00:02:49,386 --> 00:02:51,660 A good deed to help those in distress 47 00:02:52,080 --> 00:02:54,820 Many of these tourists did indeed express their gratitude later. 48 00:02:55,160 --> 00:02:56,190 anyway 49 00:02:56,200 --> 00:02:57,070 Taiwan's official... 50 00:02:57,080 --> 00:02:58,820 I should also say thank you. 51 00:02:59,040 --> 00:03:01,820 But how did the DPP authorities in Taiwan respond? 52 00:03:02,240 --> 00:03:07,580 Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council issued a statement saying that the mainland's propaganda about this matter is a form of cognitive warfare. 53 00:03:08,000 --> 00:03:10,860 It's a deliberate attempt to smear Taiwan's ineffective evacuation efforts. 54 00:03:11,440 --> 00:03:14,300 DPP legislator Lin Chun-hsien went even further. 55 00:03:14,520 --> 00:03:16,910 He said China wasn't trying to rescue people. 56 00:03:16,920 --> 00:03:20,340 Rather, they wanted to achieve their political propaganda goals. 57 00:03:21,080 --> 00:03:22,310 But at the same time... 58 00:03:22,320 --> 00:03:25,120 Two Taiwanese tourists stranded in Bahrain, a Gulf state 59 00:03:25,120 --> 00:03:28,580 After returning on a Japanese repatriation charter flight 60 00:03:28,680 --> 00:03:32,180 Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its sincere gratitude immediately. 61 00:03:32,520 --> 00:03:35,186 Talking about Taiwan and Japan 62 00:03:35,186 --> 00:03:37,860 As partners in the Indo-Pacific region who share the universal values ​​of democracy, freedom, and human rights. 63 00:03:38,080 --> 00:03:44,580 This cooperation fully demonstrates the sincere friendship between the two sides in supporting each other during times of emergency and crisis. 64 00:03:45,320 --> 00:03:47,270 China helped 93 Taiwanese people return home. 65 00:03:47,280 --> 00:03:49,470 I didn't get a single thank you. 66 00:03:49,480 --> 00:03:53,260 It was even criticized as political propaganda and a cognitive war. 67 00:03:53,880 --> 00:03:55,420 Japan helped two Taiwanese people. 68 00:03:55,440 --> 00:03:59,175 The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) then launched into a lengthy expression of gratitude. 69 00:03:59,185 --> 00:04:00,940 I was speechless after seeing it. 70 00:04:01,200 --> 00:04:04,150 But this matter can help us understand better. 71 00:04:04,160 --> 00:04:07,900 Why does Lai Ching-te so highly praise Japan's colonial history? 72 00:04:08,680 --> 00:04:09,950 Of course, Lai Ching-te is pro-Japanese. 73 00:04:09,960 --> 00:04:11,580 It's nothing new. 74 00:04:11,760 --> 00:04:12,990 This tendency to request a date 75 00:04:13,000 --> 00:04:14,790 If this were applied to other ordinary people... 76 00:04:14,800 --> 00:04:15,660 It's nothing. 77 00:04:16,080 --> 00:04:16,484 but 78 00:04:16,494 --> 00:04:19,590 If we dig up Lai Ching-te's family history 79 00:04:19,600 --> 00:04:21,870 Compare this to his stance. 80 00:04:21,880 --> 00:04:24,460 It creates a suffocating sense of absurdity. 81 00:04:25,200 --> 00:04:26,470 Lai Ching-te's ancestors 82 00:04:26,480 --> 00:04:31,100 They migrated to Taiwan from Pinghe County, Zhangzhou, Fujian during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty. 83 00:04:31,280 --> 00:04:32,710 By Lai Ching-te's generation 84 00:04:32,720 --> 00:04:34,100 It's only the fourth generation in total. 85 00:04:34,720 --> 00:04:37,390 They first settled in Yunling Gukeng, Taiwan. 86 00:04:37,400 --> 00:04:38,310 Later, in order to make a living 87 00:04:38,320 --> 00:04:41,060 They eventually moved to Ruifang in Taipei. 88 00:04:41,120 --> 00:04:42,660 Making a living by mining coal 89 00:04:42,880 --> 00:04:43,870 Three generations of the Lai family 90 00:04:43,880 --> 00:04:46,900 They all make a living in the perilous coal mines. 91 00:04:47,480 --> 00:04:50,110 Lai Ching-te's father was named Lai Chao-chin. 92 00:04:50,120 --> 00:04:52,540 Born in Ruifang Coal Mine in 1927 93 00:04:52,680 --> 00:04:54,860 He followed in his father's footsteps and became a miner. 94 00:04:55,040 --> 00:04:56,380 1943 95 00:04:56,440 --> 00:05:02,860 Lai Chao-chin personally experienced one of the darkest events in Taiwan's colonial history: the Ruifang Anti-Japanese Army Case. 96 00:05:03,440 --> 00:05:07,620 The incident was triggered by Li Jianxing, a local coal mine owner in Ruifang. 97 00:05:07,800 --> 00:05:10,140 He clashed with Japanese detectives. 98 00:05:10,360 --> 00:05:13,270 Japanese officials accused Li Jianxing of colluding with mainland China. 99 00:05:13,280 --> 00:05:14,940 Organize anti-Japanese armed forces 100 00:05:15,560 --> 00:05:17,670 Subsequently, members of the Li Jianxing family were arrested. 101 00:05:17,680 --> 00:05:19,140 And many miners 102 00:05:19,200 --> 00:05:21,260 More than 500 people were arrested in total. 103 00:05:21,560 --> 00:05:23,830 Taiwan was liberated in 1945 104 00:05:23,840 --> 00:05:25,660 This group of people who were arrested and put in prison 105 00:05:25,720 --> 00:05:27,470 Only a little over a hundred people survived. 106 00:05:27,480 --> 00:05:30,020 The other three hundred or so all died in prison. 107 00:05:30,040 --> 00:05:31,140 No remains 108 00:05:31,920 --> 00:05:34,220 Lai Chaojin was only sixteen years old at the time. 109 00:05:34,320 --> 00:05:37,100 One of the victims of this arrest 110 00:05:37,400 --> 00:05:39,950 He was tortured during interrogation by Japanese military police. 111 00:05:39,960 --> 00:05:41,540 He was lucky to survive. 112 00:05:41,680 --> 00:05:43,100 Until Taiwan's Retrocession 113 00:05:43,240 --> 00:05:45,500 Lai Chaojin is still working in this coal mine 114 00:05:45,520 --> 00:05:47,860 He died in a mining accident in 1960. 115 00:05:47,920 --> 00:05:49,470 Lai Ching-te at that time 116 00:05:49,480 --> 00:05:51,020 Three months old 117 00:05:51,720 --> 00:05:54,350 Therefore, judging solely from Lai Ching-te's family background 118 00:05:54,360 --> 00:05:55,630 During the colonial period 119 00:05:55,640 --> 00:05:58,260 Their family has always been at the bottom of society. 120 00:05:58,360 --> 00:06:00,700 Suffering from exploitation and hardship 121 00:06:00,960 --> 00:06:03,230 The so-called glory of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere 122 00:06:03,240 --> 00:06:06,020 Actually, I never belonged to this kind of family. 123 00:06:06,520 --> 00:06:07,980 Let's not talk about deep-seated hatred. 124 00:06:08,120 --> 00:06:10,620 But it's definitely not to the point where we should be grateful. 125 00:06:11,080 --> 00:06:12,790 This kind of "you torment me a thousand times" 126 00:06:12,800 --> 00:06:15,550 I still love you like I did when I first fell in love with you. 127 00:06:15,560 --> 00:06:18,380 This is what we often call the "imperial subject complex". 128 00:06:19,440 --> 00:06:20,740 The so-called imperial subject complex 129 00:06:21,000 --> 00:06:23,590 This refers to the period of Japanese colonial rule. 130 00:06:23,600 --> 00:06:26,910 The Japanese government implemented the "Japanization" movement in its colonies. 131 00:06:26,920 --> 00:06:29,100 Forced cultural cleansing 132 00:06:29,480 --> 00:06:31,900 This has led to some people being brainwashed by education. 133 00:06:31,960 --> 00:06:32,750 Cultural traditions 134 00:06:32,760 --> 00:06:35,060 They psychologically accepted Japanese rule. 135 00:06:35,320 --> 00:06:37,140 Taking pride in Japanese colonization 136 00:06:37,280 --> 00:06:39,460 Similar to Stockholm syndrome 137 00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:41,830 Actually, this kind of pro-Japanese imperial sentiment... 138 00:06:41,840 --> 00:06:44,900 Lai Ching-te is not the only one in Taiwan's political arena. 139 00:06:45,120 --> 00:06:46,390 Former President Lee Teng-hui 140 00:06:46,400 --> 00:06:49,093 He is another typical example. 141 00:06:49,103 --> 00:06:50,660 And even more dramatic 142 00:06:51,040 --> 00:06:52,740 Lee Teng-hui's older brother is named Lee Teng-chin. 143 00:06:52,840 --> 00:06:56,180 He took the name Iwasato Takenori during the Japanese occupation. 144 00:06:56,320 --> 00:06:58,070 He was influenced by the Japanization Movement 145 00:06:58,080 --> 00:07:00,430 He enlisted in the Japanese Navy in 1943. 146 00:07:00,440 --> 00:07:01,790 February 1945 147 00:07:01,800 --> 00:07:04,020 He died in the Battle of Manila in the Philippines. 148 00:07:04,040 --> 00:07:05,260 Only 23 years old 149 00:07:05,440 --> 00:07:08,620 His memorial tablet was subsequently enshrined at the Yasukuni Shrine. 150 00:07:09,200 --> 00:07:13,740 Lee Teng-hui himself changed his name to Iwasato Masao during the Japanization Movement. 151 00:07:13,840 --> 00:07:16,900 He also received a complete Japanese education and cultural immersion. 152 00:07:17,400 --> 00:07:18,630 2007 153 00:07:18,640 --> 00:07:21,110 When Lee Teng-hui visited Japan in a private capacity... 154 00:07:21,120 --> 00:07:23,260 He made a special trip to Yasukuni Shrine to pay his respects. 155 00:07:23,520 --> 00:07:25,070 The main purpose is to worship his brother's memorial tablet. 156 00:07:25,080 --> 00:07:27,815 He claimed to have fulfilled his lifelong wish. At that time... 157 00:07:27,825 --> 00:07:29,380 This also caused a huge uproar. 158 00:07:29,840 --> 00:07:32,470 Considering that Lee Teng-hui grew up during the Japanese colonial period... 159 00:07:32,480 --> 00:07:34,060 Received Japanese education from a young age 160 00:07:34,440 --> 00:07:37,460 They all died in battle far from home, as Taiwanese soldiers serving in the Japanese army. 161 00:07:37,560 --> 00:07:39,510 What about the complexity of this personal emotion? 162 00:07:39,520 --> 00:07:41,740 There is at least some reason to it. 163 00:07:42,120 --> 00:07:42,446 but 164 00:07:42,456 --> 00:07:45,140 Lai Ching-te's situation is completely different from Lee Teng-hui's. 165 00:07:45,280 --> 00:07:48,340 His family are descendants of genuine Fujian immigrants. 166 00:07:48,760 --> 00:07:50,590 My father didn't benefit from the Japanization either. 167 00:07:50,600 --> 00:07:52,390 Instead, they were captured and tortured by the Japanese. 168 00:07:52,400 --> 00:07:54,740 The miners who almost died in prison 169 00:07:55,400 --> 00:07:56,830 Lai Ching-te lost his father at a young age 170 00:07:56,840 --> 00:07:58,230 Growing up in extreme poverty 171 00:07:58,240 --> 00:08:02,340 He was able to finish university and enter politics thanks to his mother working several jobs. 172 00:08:02,760 --> 00:08:07,140 He did not have the same upbringing as Lee Teng-hui, who was deeply intertwined with colonialism. 173 00:08:07,600 --> 00:08:10,500 Therefore, he carried the burden of national and personal hatred to erode [his influence]. 174 00:08:10,800 --> 00:08:14,230 It's a bit like the common saying that leeks praise the sickle. 175 00:08:14,240 --> 00:08:16,740 The irony is a bit too strong. 176 00:08:20,320 --> 00:08:22,590 Let's move on to the real history. 177 00:08:22,600 --> 00:08:27,060 Was Taiwan really better during the Japanese colonial period than during the Kuomintang era? 178 00:08:27,480 --> 00:08:29,950 Since the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895 179 00:08:29,960 --> 00:08:31,660 Taiwan was ceded to Japan. 180 00:08:31,960 --> 00:08:33,270 Returned in 1945 181 00:08:33,280 --> 00:08:36,500 Taiwan experienced fifty years of colonial rule. 182 00:08:36,720 --> 00:08:37,750 These fifty years 183 00:08:37,760 --> 00:08:40,662 In order to suppress the Taiwanese resistance at present... 184 00:08:40,672 --> 00:08:45,180 There are at least four documented systematic massacres. 185 00:08:45,880 --> 00:08:48,060 The First Yunlin Massacre 186 00:08:48,360 --> 00:08:50,630 After Taiwan was ceded in 1895 187 00:08:50,640 --> 00:08:52,670 Tang Jingsong, the last governor of Taiwan 188 00:08:52,680 --> 00:08:54,460 He was unwilling to surrender and evacuate. 189 00:08:54,480 --> 00:08:59,260 He himself spearheaded the establishment of a Republic of Taiwan to carry out armed resistance. 190 00:08:59,480 --> 00:09:03,420 Led by the renowned general Liu Yongfu, the local Taiwanese militia fought a bloody and arduous battle. 191 00:09:04,000 --> 00:09:05,870 After the Japanese army paid a considerable price... 192 00:09:05,880 --> 00:09:08,380 In November of the same year, they completely occupied Taiwan. 193 00:09:08,480 --> 00:09:12,300 However, the resistance from the Taiwanese people did not stop there. 194 00:09:12,480 --> 00:09:14,860 The insurgents are still active in central Taiwan. 195 00:09:15,280 --> 00:09:17,030 After suffering heavy losses, the Japanese army 196 00:09:17,040 --> 00:09:18,030 Enraged 197 00:09:18,040 --> 00:09:22,220 A retaliatory massacre was then launched in the Yunlin area of ​​central Taiwan. 198 00:09:22,640 --> 00:09:26,460 Japanese troops burned, killed, and looted more than seventy villages around Yunlin County. 199 00:09:26,480 --> 00:09:27,460 It lasted for five days 200 00:09:27,560 --> 00:09:30,540 Conservative estimates suggest that at least 15,000 people were massacred. 201 00:09:30,600 --> 00:09:32,180 Historically known as the Yunlin Massacre 202 00:09:32,360 --> 00:09:33,780 There are many villages. 203 00:09:33,840 --> 00:09:35,380 They were wiped out! 204 00:09:35,800 --> 00:09:37,081 After this massacre 205 00:09:37,091 --> 00:09:39,190 Japan in order to more effectively control Taiwan 206 00:09:39,200 --> 00:09:41,100 The Baojia system was restored. 207 00:09:41,120 --> 00:09:44,460 The requirement for Taiwanese citizens to monitor and report each other is... 208 00:09:44,560 --> 00:09:46,300 Otherwise, they will be held jointly liable. 209 00:09:46,680 --> 00:09:48,780 Controlling Taiwan through this terrifying method 210 00:09:49,240 --> 00:09:52,470 The second major massacre occurred in 1902. 211 00:09:52,480 --> 00:09:53,780 May of that year 212 00:09:53,920 --> 00:09:56,870 The last resistance force in Taiwan consisted of 265 people. 213 00:09:56,880 --> 00:09:59,500 Under the leadership of Lin Shaomao 214 00:09:59,760 --> 00:10:03,300 They accepted the conditions offered by Taiwan Governor-General Kodama Gentaro. 215 00:10:03,400 --> 00:10:04,860 Decided to lay down arms and surrender 216 00:10:05,160 --> 00:10:07,820 Kodama Gentaro goes back on his word 217 00:10:07,880 --> 00:10:10,860 Then, under the guise of holding a ceremony of submission... 218 00:10:11,320 --> 00:10:14,350 Lure all the anti-Japanese troops that have already surrendered and laid down their arms to assemble. 219 00:10:14,360 --> 00:10:17,140 Then they slaughtered all two hundred-plus people. 220 00:10:17,720 --> 00:10:20,700 The third massacre was the Hsi Lai An Incident. 221 00:10:20,920 --> 00:10:22,070 1915 222 00:10:22,080 --> 00:10:25,080 Yu Qingfang, Luo Jun, Jiang Ding and others from Tainan 223 00:10:25,080 --> 00:10:28,060 Secretly organized an armed uprising at Xilai Temple in Tainan. 224 00:10:28,480 --> 00:10:29,990 This was also during the Japanese occupation period. 225 00:10:30,000 --> 00:10:32,500 The largest armed uprising by civilians in Taiwan 226 00:10:32,640 --> 00:10:34,300 After the uprising was suppressed 227 00:10:34,360 --> 00:10:36,140 Japanese authorities launched a massive crackdown. 228 00:10:36,160 --> 00:10:38,620 A total of 1,957 people were arrested. 229 00:10:38,680 --> 00:10:40,740 866 were executed 230 00:10:41,040 --> 00:10:43,550 Even Japanese prosecutors later had to admit it. 231 00:10:43,560 --> 00:10:47,060 This was an unprecedented tragedy in the history of world judicial proceedings. 232 00:10:47,520 --> 00:10:48,390 Not only that 233 00:10:48,400 --> 00:10:50,910 The Japanese army retaliated against the villagers who supported the uprising. 234 00:10:50,920 --> 00:10:52,540 Also under the guise of training camp 235 00:10:52,680 --> 00:10:55,180 Luring nearby villagers to the wild 236 00:10:55,400 --> 00:10:57,230 He was forced to dig his own grave. 237 00:10:57,240 --> 00:10:58,780 Then a massacre was carried out. 238 00:10:59,400 --> 00:11:02,020 Nearly 3,200 people were massacred in one go. 239 00:11:02,120 --> 00:11:04,580 The elderly, the weak, and infants were all spared. 240 00:11:04,840 --> 00:11:06,070 What about the fourth genocide? 241 00:11:06,080 --> 00:11:08,740 This refers to the Wushe Incident, which everyone is familiar with. 242 00:11:09,080 --> 00:11:10,430 October 1930 243 00:11:10,440 --> 00:11:13,830 Seediq indigenous people in Wushe, Nantou County, central Taiwan 244 00:11:13,840 --> 00:11:17,620 They were driven by their inability to bear the humiliation and exploitation of indigenous women by the Japanese. 245 00:11:17,800 --> 00:11:20,740 An uprising under the leadership of Moarudao 246 00:11:20,960 --> 00:11:24,900 The Japanese colonial authorities faced the Seediq people, who were still living in the era of cold weapons. 247 00:11:25,080 --> 00:11:26,080 Disregarding the Geneva Convention 248 00:11:26,080 --> 00:11:28,900 They actually used poison gas to suppress them. 249 00:11:29,120 --> 00:11:33,740 The Japanese army used aircraft to drop vesicant gas on the Seediq people who were hiding in caves. 250 00:11:33,880 --> 00:11:35,380 Caused major casualties 251 00:11:35,840 --> 00:11:37,070 This Seediq ethnic group... 252 00:11:37,080 --> 00:11:38,790 He originally belonged to a very small tribe. 253 00:11:38,800 --> 00:11:40,980 The total population at that time was only a little over two thousand. 254 00:11:41,120 --> 00:11:43,260 As a result, over nine hundred were killed in the Japanese bombing. 255 00:11:43,360 --> 00:11:44,820 They were almost wiped out. 256 00:11:45,080 --> 00:11:48,270 The women of this tribe did not want to be a burden to the warriors. 257 00:11:48,280 --> 00:11:50,350 Mass hanging in the dense forest 258 00:11:50,360 --> 00:11:51,340 Extremely tragic 259 00:11:51,880 --> 00:11:53,430 Moarudao, the leader of the uprising 260 00:11:53,440 --> 00:11:54,900 He finally shot himself. 261 00:11:54,960 --> 00:11:57,300 His body was discovered by the Japanese army. 262 00:11:57,440 --> 00:11:58,910 It was specially made into a specimen. 263 00:11:58,920 --> 00:12:00,740 Public display of humiliation 264 00:12:01,160 --> 00:12:04,260 It wasn't until 1973 that it was returned to its hometown of Guizang. 265 00:12:05,160 --> 00:12:07,350 This moving and inspiring history 266 00:12:07,360 --> 00:12:12,740 It was later adapted into the famous film "Seediq Bale" by Taiwanese director Wei Te-sheng. 267 00:12:12,920 --> 00:12:15,020 Released in Taiwan in 2011 268 00:12:15,280 --> 00:12:16,670 I watched this movie back then. 269 00:12:16,680 --> 00:12:17,620 Very impressive 270 00:12:17,840 --> 00:12:18,710 Because before this 271 00:12:18,720 --> 00:12:21,180 I know absolutely nothing about the history of Taiwan's indigenous people. 272 00:12:21,320 --> 00:12:23,820 They were even more unaware of this tragic history of resistance against Japan. 273 00:12:24,400 --> 00:12:25,190 If we say... 274 00:12:25,200 --> 00:12:27,910 The four incidents above were merely physical massacres. 275 00:12:27,920 --> 00:12:34,420 The Japanization Movement, on the other hand, was a systematic destruction of the spiritual and cultural roots of the Taiwanese people. 276 00:12:35,080 --> 00:12:36,030 1937 277 00:12:36,040 --> 00:12:37,782 After the outbreak of full-scale war between China and Japan 278 00:12:37,792 --> 00:12:40,820 Japan is accelerating its pro-Japanization movement in Taiwan. 279 00:12:40,880 --> 00:12:43,500 Taiwanese people are being forced to speak only Japanese. 280 00:12:43,600 --> 00:12:45,150 Using Mandarin and Taiwanese dialects 281 00:12:45,160 --> 00:12:46,500 They will all be fined. 282 00:12:46,760 --> 00:12:47,750 Do not use Japanese 283 00:12:47,760 --> 00:12:49,500 You can't even buy a train ticket. 284 00:12:50,200 --> 00:12:52,500 The school also prohibited the offering of Chinese language courses. 285 00:12:52,560 --> 00:12:54,870 Taiwanese people must give up their Chinese names 286 00:12:54,880 --> 00:12:56,500 Adopt a Japanese surname 287 00:12:56,640 --> 00:12:58,030 Ancestor worship is prohibited 288 00:12:58,040 --> 00:13:00,300 Must convert to Japanese Shinto 289 00:13:00,800 --> 00:13:01,780 at the same time 290 00:13:01,840 --> 00:13:04,620 Japan also implemented a strict system of racial discrimination against Taiwan. 291 00:13:04,680 --> 00:13:06,950 Taiwanese people have food rationing 292 00:13:06,960 --> 00:13:09,220 His earnings were only half that of the Japanese. 293 00:13:09,520 --> 00:13:10,750 Performing the same work 294 00:13:10,760 --> 00:13:12,060 But the salary is lower. 295 00:13:12,400 --> 00:13:14,990 Large enterprises and resources are all controlled by Japanese zaibatsu. 296 00:13:15,000 --> 00:13:19,780 Taiwan was merely a major rear area for Japan to plunder raw materials and supply war materials. 297 00:13:20,280 --> 00:13:21,270 The Taiwanese people back then 298 00:13:21,280 --> 00:13:22,830 No matter how much talent you have 299 00:13:22,840 --> 00:13:25,060 In the local bureaucratic system 300 00:13:25,120 --> 00:13:29,670 The highest position one can hold is a grassroots position at the village level. 301 00:13:29,680 --> 00:13:31,340 During fifty years of colonial rule 302 00:13:31,440 --> 00:13:33,860 You can hold a position at the state or county level. 303 00:13:33,960 --> 00:13:35,700 Those are very few and far between. 304 00:13:36,200 --> 00:13:36,990 You could even say that 305 00:13:37,000 --> 00:13:38,230 Japanese people's views on Koreans 306 00:13:38,240 --> 00:13:40,260 Actually, it's much better than treating Taiwanese people. 307 00:13:40,440 --> 00:13:42,660 In the then-Korean colonial government 308 00:13:42,880 --> 00:13:44,550 Li Wanyong, a notorious collaborator 309 00:13:44,560 --> 00:13:45,870 His highest official position 310 00:13:45,880 --> 00:13:48,580 He became the prime minister of the colonial government. 311 00:13:48,680 --> 00:13:50,820 Moreover, he was granted the title of nobleman by the Emperor. 312 00:13:50,880 --> 00:13:52,990 In the colonial government of Taiwan 313 00:13:53,000 --> 00:13:54,300 The most famous collaborator 314 00:13:54,400 --> 00:13:57,820 Koo Hsien-jung, who guided the Japanese army to occupy Taiwan in 1895 315 00:13:58,240 --> 00:14:00,390 He dedicated his entire life to Japan. 316 00:14:00,400 --> 00:14:02,260 Betrayed countless Taiwanese people 317 00:14:02,360 --> 00:14:06,860 But in the end, he only managed to become a member of the Council of the Governor-General of Taiwan. 318 00:14:07,400 --> 00:14:08,270 What level? 319 00:14:08,280 --> 00:14:10,180 That's equivalent to our CPPCC members today. 320 00:14:10,320 --> 00:14:11,300 It's nothing. 321 00:14:11,760 --> 00:14:12,470 During World War II 322 00:14:12,480 --> 00:14:14,110 Taiwan was also used as a blood bank by Japan. 323 00:14:14,120 --> 00:14:17,150 Countless Taiwanese youths were sent to the battlefield by Japan. 324 00:14:17,160 --> 00:14:18,620 Serving in wars of aggression 325 00:14:18,840 --> 00:14:19,350 In this regard... 326 00:14:19,360 --> 00:14:20,870 Japan has accurate records. 327 00:14:20,880 --> 00:14:24,780 A total of 207,183 people were recruited in Taiwan. 328 00:14:25,040 --> 00:14:26,670 When the war ended 329 00:14:26,680 --> 00:14:29,380 A total of 30,304 people died in battle. 330 00:14:29,920 --> 00:14:32,030 The sacrifices made by Taiwanese people during the Japanese invasion 331 00:14:32,040 --> 00:14:33,110 It can be described as very big. 332 00:14:33,120 --> 00:14:35,980 But they were merely used as cannon fodder by the Japanese. 333 00:14:36,120 --> 00:14:38,190 There's almost no chance of him becoming an officer. 334 00:14:38,200 --> 00:14:39,470 We can compare them. 335 00:14:39,480 --> 00:14:40,790 Hong Sa-ik, a Korean 336 00:14:40,800 --> 00:14:43,180 He rose to the rank of lieutenant general in the Japanese Army. 337 00:14:43,360 --> 00:14:45,460 He was even awarded a title and honors by the Emperor. 338 00:14:45,760 --> 00:14:48,550 The highest rank held by a Taiwanese in the Japanese army 339 00:14:48,560 --> 00:14:50,340 That is, Zhong Qianshun 340 00:14:50,600 --> 00:14:51,670 He became a major. 341 00:14:51,680 --> 00:14:52,980 Or in charge of logistics 342 00:14:53,760 --> 00:14:54,398 So 343 00:14:54,408 --> 00:14:56,550 Taiwanese during the Japanese colonial era 344 00:14:56,560 --> 00:14:57,630 In the eyes of the Japanese 345 00:14:57,640 --> 00:14:59,980 They weren't even second-class citizens. 346 00:15:00,680 --> 00:15:01,066 Of course! 347 00:15:01,076 --> 00:15:02,670 Japanese construction projects in Taiwan 348 00:15:02,680 --> 00:15:04,350 We also have no reason to shy away from this. 349 00:15:04,360 --> 00:15:08,935 Just like Japan did during its colonial periods in Manchuria and Korea, and... 350 00:15:08,945 --> 00:15:10,300 They've generally done a good job. 351 00:15:10,640 --> 00:15:11,206 but 352 00:15:11,216 --> 00:15:12,550 They are doing these construction projects 353 00:15:12,560 --> 00:15:17,060 The most fundamental purpose was to serve Japan's imperial expansion at the time. 354 00:15:17,120 --> 00:15:20,780 He was clearly not acting in the best interests of Taiwanese, Northeasterners, or North Koreans. 355 00:15:21,400 --> 00:15:21,670 This matter... 356 00:15:21,680 --> 00:15:23,870 Just like Qin Shi Huang's standardization of writing and cart axle width 357 00:15:23,880 --> 00:15:25,500 Building straight roads and developing water conservancy projects are similar. 358 00:15:25,840 --> 00:15:26,670 These measures... 359 00:15:26,680 --> 00:15:28,350 Objectively speaking, they're not bad at all. 360 00:15:28,360 --> 00:15:30,580 It has profoundly influenced the course of Chinese history. 361 00:15:30,760 --> 00:15:32,660 At that time, Qin Shi Huang did these things 362 00:15:32,720 --> 00:15:35,260 Do you think he did it for the happiness of the common people? 363 00:15:35,360 --> 00:15:36,580 That's obviously not the case. 364 00:15:36,760 --> 00:15:39,380 His aim was for the eternal stability of the Qin Empire. 365 00:15:40,000 --> 00:15:42,500 If he had even a shred of concern for the people... 366 00:15:42,520 --> 00:15:46,500 He wouldn't be swayed by a prophecy carved on a meteorite predicting the fall of the Qin Dynasty. 367 00:15:46,520 --> 00:15:48,900 They slaughtered all the people within a radius of dozens of miles! 368 00:15:48,960 --> 00:15:53,260 He would not allow hundreds of thousands of laborers to build his unprecedented mausoleum. 369 00:15:53,760 --> 00:15:56,670 Today, we can objectively evaluate Qin Shi Huang's achievements. 370 00:15:56,680 --> 00:16:00,380 But you absolutely cannot say that Qin Shi Huang's era was much better than today. 371 00:16:00,760 --> 00:16:02,300 Because of that era 372 00:16:02,320 --> 00:16:05,180 You're nothing more than a slave who builds tombs. 373 00:16:05,680 --> 00:16:06,210 So 374 00:16:06,220 --> 00:16:09,270 Lai Ching-te's beautiful dream of the Japanese colonial era 375 00:16:09,280 --> 00:16:10,940 It doesn't actually exist. 376 00:16:11,320 --> 00:16:12,790 You can give an objective evaluation 377 00:16:12,800 --> 00:16:15,780 But to say that it was the best era in Taiwan's history... 378 00:16:16,000 --> 00:16:18,780 That's the King of Hell telling stories to deceive ghosts. 379 00:16:19,200 --> 00:16:21,740 Being colonized is not shameful 380 00:16:21,880 --> 00:16:25,020 However, if we are to satirize the atrocities of the colonizers... 381 00:16:25,120 --> 00:16:26,990 This is not only a betrayal of history. 382 00:16:27,000 --> 00:16:29,020 It is an insult to our ancestors. 383 00:16:32,600 --> 00:16:33,990 Having finished discussing the Japanese colonial era 384 00:16:34,000 --> 00:16:36,620 Let's talk about the era of the Kuomintang's authoritarian rule. 385 00:16:36,960 --> 00:16:37,790 There's no need to deny it. 386 00:16:37,800 --> 00:16:39,200 Kuomintang retreats to Taiwan 387 00:16:39,200 --> 00:16:40,030 In order to consolidate rule 388 00:16:40,040 --> 00:16:42,260 It also implemented a long period of white terror. 389 00:16:42,520 --> 00:16:45,820 The most famous one, and the one the DPP talks about every day. 390 00:16:45,840 --> 00:16:48,700 It was the February 28 Incident of 1947. 391 00:16:49,200 --> 00:16:54,060 When Kuomintang monopoly bureau tea technicians were cracking down on smuggled cigarettes in Taipei City 392 00:16:54,120 --> 00:16:55,030 Injured cigarette vendor 393 00:16:55,040 --> 00:16:55,870 Accidental killing of civilians 394 00:16:55,880 --> 00:16:57,430 This aroused widespread public outrage 395 00:16:57,440 --> 00:16:58,710 February 28th 396 00:16:58,720 --> 00:17:00,660 Citizens strike, boycott, and go on strike 397 00:17:00,760 --> 00:17:02,900 Violent protests also broke out across Taiwan. 398 00:17:03,080 --> 00:17:04,750 Kuomintang troops opened fire to suppress 399 00:17:04,760 --> 00:17:05,820 Heavy casualties 400 00:17:06,000 --> 00:17:10,660 According to the 2021 Taiwan official report on the truth of the February 28 Incident and transitional justice. 401 00:17:11,280 --> 00:17:14,260 The total death toll is between eight thousand and 11,000. 402 00:17:14,840 --> 00:17:15,950 After February 28 403 00:17:15,960 --> 00:17:17,470 In order to consolidate its rule 404 00:17:17,480 --> 00:17:19,740 Martial law, which lasted for thirty-eight years, began. 405 00:17:20,200 --> 00:17:21,430 Throughout the martial law period 406 00:17:21,440 --> 00:17:25,220 The number of political prisoners executed was between three and four thousand. 407 00:17:25,320 --> 00:17:27,260 Including many underground members of the Chinese Communist Party 408 00:17:27,400 --> 00:17:29,910 These killings were similar to the massacres perpetrated by the Japanese. 409 00:17:29,920 --> 00:17:32,540 These are all real historical traumas. 410 00:17:33,080 --> 00:17:35,150 But if we're going to say that... 411 00:17:35,160 --> 00:17:36,980 The Kuomintang was even worse than the Japanese. 412 00:17:37,000 --> 00:17:38,340 That's not true. 413 00:17:38,640 --> 00:17:40,230 After Chiang Kai-shek arrived in Taiwan 414 00:17:40,240 --> 00:17:41,380 After painful reflection 415 00:17:41,800 --> 00:17:44,110 By purchasing land from landlords and distributing it to peasants 416 00:17:44,120 --> 00:17:45,710 and rent reduction of 37.5% 417 00:17:45,720 --> 00:17:48,053 It has achieved the goal of ensuring that farmers have their own land and people have their own houses. 418 00:17:48,053 --> 00:17:50,790 Afterwards, Chiang Ching-kuo spearheaded the Ten Major Construction Projects. 419 00:17:50,800 --> 00:17:53,140 It laid the foundation for Taiwan's industrialization. 420 00:17:53,200 --> 00:17:55,420 The miracle of the Four Asian Tigers was achieved. 421 00:17:55,720 --> 00:17:57,470 The most, most, most important thing is... 422 00:17:57,480 --> 00:17:59,150 Even during the Kuomintang authoritarian period 423 00:17:59,160 --> 00:18:03,060 He still formally followed the Constitution of the Republic of China in 1947. 424 00:18:03,440 --> 00:18:07,580 To a certain extent, it allows for local autonomy, local elections, and non-party movements. 425 00:18:07,840 --> 00:18:12,020 These were key factors in Taiwan's subsequent successful democratization. 426 00:18:12,640 --> 00:18:13,980 Especially Chiang Ching-kuo 427 00:18:14,120 --> 00:18:16,780 That made an even greater contribution to Taiwan's democracy. 428 00:18:16,800 --> 00:18:18,270 September 1986 429 00:18:18,280 --> 00:18:19,590 When the Democratic Progressive Party was founded... 430 00:18:19,600 --> 00:18:22,550 The Taiwan Garrison Command at the time compiled a list of people to be arrested. 431 00:18:22,560 --> 00:18:26,900 The report was prepared to be submitted to Chiang Ching-kuo to advocate for a strong crackdown on the Democratic Progressive Party. 432 00:18:27,360 --> 00:18:29,740 But Chiang Ching-kuo immediately rejected it. 433 00:18:29,960 --> 00:18:32,500 He said arresting people wouldn't solve the problem. 434 00:18:32,920 --> 00:18:36,100 If Chiang Ching-kuo had actually wiped out the Democratic Progressive Party back then... 435 00:18:36,320 --> 00:18:38,540 Where is Lai Ching-te's comeback today? 436 00:18:38,960 --> 00:18:41,750 After Chiang Ching-kuo decided to lift the ban on political parties and newspapers 437 00:18:41,760 --> 00:18:44,030 His policy advisor questioned the move. 438 00:18:44,040 --> 00:18:45,900 This will cause the Kuomintang to lose power. 439 00:18:46,040 --> 00:18:47,620 That's what Chiang Ching-kuo said. 440 00:18:47,720 --> 00:18:49,980 There is no ruling party in the world that lasts forever. 441 00:18:50,480 --> 00:18:53,100 It was precisely because of Chiang Ching-kuo's series of reforms 442 00:18:53,120 --> 00:18:55,940 This established the irreversible direction of democracy in Taiwan. 443 00:18:56,440 --> 00:18:58,350 I know some viewers will say this when they see this. 444 00:18:58,360 --> 00:19:00,380 Without the relentless struggle of the Taiwanese people 445 00:19:00,440 --> 00:19:02,860 Where are the concessions made by the Kuomintang and Chiang Ching-kuo? 446 00:19:03,400 --> 00:19:04,860 That's one way to put it. 447 00:19:05,000 --> 00:19:06,420 But everyone can think about it. 448 00:19:06,960 --> 00:19:09,150 The struggle of the people of mainland China for democracy and freedom 449 00:19:09,160 --> 00:19:12,020 Has it been less than Taiwan over the past seventy years? 450 00:19:12,360 --> 00:19:14,030 The blood shed by the people of mainland China 451 00:19:14,040 --> 00:19:16,540 Are there fewer heads lost in Taiwan than in other parts of the world? 452 00:19:16,960 --> 00:19:19,110 Political prisoners still in prison 453 00:19:19,120 --> 00:19:20,980 That's still number one in the world! 454 00:19:21,280 --> 00:19:24,900 But why hasn't the mainland successfully completed its transformation? 455 00:19:25,200 --> 00:19:28,060 Because the people of mainland China are facing the Communist Party. 456 00:19:28,720 --> 00:19:32,620 If Chiang Ching-kuo had chosen the same methods Deng Xiaoping used in 1989... 457 00:19:33,040 --> 00:19:37,220 The process of Taiwan's democratization would never have resulted in what it is today. 458 00:19:37,640 --> 00:19:40,030 Perhaps democratization can ultimately be achieved. 459 00:19:40,040 --> 00:19:42,630 But there will definitely be more bleeding. 460 00:19:42,640 --> 00:19:44,540 Pay a higher price 461 00:19:45,280 --> 00:19:46,900 This is precisely what makes Chiang Ching-kuo great. 462 00:19:46,960 --> 00:19:49,230 We all know that human nature is selfish. 463 00:19:49,240 --> 00:19:50,300 From ancient times to the present 464 00:19:50,560 --> 00:19:52,430 The allure of power is the greatest. 465 00:19:52,440 --> 00:19:55,340 That's a much bigger temptation than flesh and drugs! 466 00:19:55,640 --> 00:19:58,820 Few people in power will voluntarily relinquish power. 467 00:19:59,360 --> 00:20:01,110 Chiang Ching-kuo was able to adapt to the times 468 00:20:01,120 --> 00:20:04,670 Voluntarily relinquishing the power accumulated by the Chiang family regime over decades 469 00:20:04,680 --> 00:20:06,347 What about returning power to the people? 470 00:20:06,357 --> 00:20:07,780 It is extremely difficult. 471 00:20:07,960 --> 00:20:09,220 To put it bluntly... 472 00:20:09,480 --> 00:20:11,110 If Chiang Ching-kuo had learned from the Communist Party 473 00:20:11,120 --> 00:20:12,790 I will not lift martial law. 474 00:20:12,800 --> 00:20:14,340 I just won't change my approach. 475 00:20:14,440 --> 00:20:17,660 At that time, there was still a bunch of useless opponents. 476 00:20:17,840 --> 00:20:19,820 What can we do to him? 477 00:20:20,720 --> 00:20:21,340 So 478 00:20:21,350 --> 00:20:23,630 The democracy and freedom that Taiwan enjoys today 479 00:20:23,640 --> 00:20:27,180 It was indeed the result of countless Taiwanese people's relentless struggle. 480 00:20:27,360 --> 00:20:28,900 However, it must also be acknowledged 481 00:20:29,000 --> 00:20:34,100 The decisive role played by the Kuomintang and Chiang Ching-kuo's initiative to relinquish power and transform their political landscape 482 00:20:34,560 --> 00:20:37,872 Regardless of their initial considerations... 483 00:20:37,882 --> 00:20:39,700 However, a gentleman judges actions, not intentions. 484 00:20:40,080 --> 00:20:43,540 Taiwanese people should give the Kuomintang a fair evaluation. 485 00:20:44,280 --> 00:20:46,710 Lai Ching-te is a beneficiary of Taiwan's democratization process. 486 00:20:46,720 --> 00:20:50,260 As the successors of the peaceful transition of the Republic of China 487 00:20:50,400 --> 00:20:53,140 Enjoying the economic foundation laid by Chiang Ching-kuo 488 00:20:53,320 --> 00:20:56,140 Enjoying the democratic process initiated by the Kuomintang 489 00:20:56,320 --> 00:20:59,340 But then they turned around and said that the colonial era was much better than the Kuomintang era. 490 00:20:59,680 --> 00:21:01,150 This is so ungrateful! 491 00:21:01,160 --> 00:21:02,270 It's not that he doesn't understand history 492 00:21:02,280 --> 00:21:04,220 Rather, he was too calculating. 493 00:21:04,240 --> 00:21:08,260 Because only by portraying the Kuomintang as villains even worse than the Japanese can this be achieved. 494 00:21:08,480 --> 00:21:11,660 His de-Sinicization only has a moral basis. 495 00:21:12,120 --> 00:21:13,540 Why do I say that? 496 00:21:16,680 --> 00:21:19,630 Taiwan election debate at the end of 2023 497 00:21:19,640 --> 00:21:22,390 Lai Ching-te once said something that left people speechless. 498 00:21:22,400 --> 00:21:25,780 He said the Constitution of the Republic of China was a disaster. 499 00:21:26,880 --> 00:21:29,710 Treat the Republic of China as the guardian mountain of both sides of the Taiwan Strait 500 00:21:29,720 --> 00:21:31,110 Is it ultimately about promoting peace? 501 00:21:31,120 --> 00:21:33,100 It will still bring disaster to Taiwan. 502 00:21:33,240 --> 00:21:36,620 A person running for president under the Constitution of the Republic of China 503 00:21:36,680 --> 00:21:38,300 To say this constitution is a disaster 504 00:21:38,760 --> 00:21:39,590 This was an accident! 505 00:21:39,600 --> 00:21:41,860 This exposes the DPP's true intentions. 506 00:21:42,160 --> 00:21:43,860 The framework of the Constitution of the Republic of China 507 00:21:43,920 --> 00:21:46,780 It contains a basic Chinese framework. 508 00:21:47,000 --> 00:21:51,460 This is precisely the obstacle that the DPP finds most difficult to overcome in its push for de jure Taiwan independence. 509 00:21:51,960 --> 00:21:53,230 In the eyes of the Democratic Progressive Party 510 00:21:53,240 --> 00:21:54,310 The Constitution of the Republic of China 511 00:21:54,320 --> 00:21:57,180 It's not a shield, but a binding spell. 512 00:21:57,600 --> 00:22:00,470 This is why Lai Ching-te has repeatedly stated publicly. 513 00:22:00,480 --> 00:22:03,740 The Republic of China, established in 1911, no longer exists. 514 00:22:04,440 --> 00:22:05,230 What he wanted to do 515 00:22:05,240 --> 00:22:08,540 It's just giving Taiwanese independence a new legal shell. 516 00:22:09,640 --> 00:22:10,950 To do this successfully 517 00:22:10,960 --> 00:22:14,940 He must reconstruct this historical perspective centered on Taiwan itself. 518 00:22:15,120 --> 00:22:19,100 To glorify Japan's colonial rule as a co-prosperous society with a historical mission 519 00:22:19,560 --> 00:22:24,563 They portrayed the Kuomintang's rule as a tyranny worse than colonialism, and then what? 520 00:22:24,573 --> 00:22:27,820 This is to sever the historical and cultural ties between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. 521 00:22:28,080 --> 00:22:30,420 Demonstrating the historical inevitability of Taiwan's independence 522 00:22:31,200 --> 00:22:32,830 Lai Ching-te's opening remarks 523 00:22:32,840 --> 00:22:34,220 That was his intention. 524 00:22:34,720 --> 00:22:34,974 actually 525 00:22:34,984 --> 00:22:36,430 Lai Ching-te's actions in this regard 526 00:22:36,440 --> 00:22:37,590 There have been many before. 527 00:22:37,600 --> 00:22:39,300 For example, May 2025 528 00:22:39,440 --> 00:22:42,100 President Lai Ching-te made a special appearance at a commemorative event. 529 00:22:42,200 --> 00:22:43,140 Whom are we commemorating? 530 00:22:43,200 --> 00:22:46,380 Yoichi Hatta, an engineer from the Japanese colonial era 531 00:22:46,680 --> 00:22:47,710 Lai Ching-te said 532 00:22:47,720 --> 00:22:49,070 The relationship between Taiwan and Japan 533 00:22:49,080 --> 00:22:50,710 More than just friends 534 00:22:50,720 --> 00:22:52,460 More like family 535 00:22:53,320 --> 00:22:56,950 Yoichi Hatta was indeed someone who contributed to the development of Taiwan's colonial power. 536 00:22:56,960 --> 00:23:00,140 But after all, he served the Japanese colonial government. 537 00:23:00,440 --> 00:23:02,700 Whether it deserves such a high rating is another matter. 538 00:23:03,080 --> 00:23:05,340 Because so many people have contributed to Taiwan. 539 00:23:05,520 --> 00:23:07,700 I've never seen Lai Ching-te go to pay his respects. 540 00:23:08,400 --> 00:23:12,874 Lai Ching-te's tireless advocacy for figures from the colonial era speaks volumes. 541 00:23:12,884 --> 00:23:15,380 He wants to construct a new historical perspective on Taiwan. 542 00:23:16,360 --> 00:23:17,670 Actually, since the DPP came to power... 543 00:23:17,680 --> 00:23:20,700 De-Sinicization has transformed from a slogan into a systematic project. 544 00:23:20,800 --> 00:23:21,790 In education 545 00:23:21,800 --> 00:23:22,950 New Curriculum Syllabus 546 00:23:22,960 --> 00:23:25,300 He has significantly condensed the content of Chinese history. 547 00:23:25,640 --> 00:23:26,870 From the Shang and Zhou Dynasties to the Sui and Tang Dynasties 548 00:23:26,880 --> 00:23:28,420 Two thousand four hundred years of history. 549 00:23:28,440 --> 00:23:30,220 Compressed to just over a thousand words 550 00:23:30,680 --> 00:23:32,500 Like Gu Yanwu's famous essay "Shame and Integrity". 551 00:23:32,920 --> 00:23:35,180 Fan Zhongyan's famous essay "Yueyang Tower" and so on 552 00:23:35,520 --> 00:23:37,500 They have all been removed from textbooks. 553 00:23:37,920 --> 00:23:41,190 Even Anping Fort, where Zheng Chenggong stationed his troops after recovering Taiwan. 554 00:23:41,200 --> 00:23:42,460 It has now been renamed. 555 00:23:42,520 --> 00:23:47,020 It was transformed into the ruins of Fort Zeelandia, which has a strong colonial character. 556 00:23:48,120 --> 00:23:50,710 Many statues of Japanese colonialists were toppled after Taiwan's retrocession. 557 00:23:50,720 --> 00:23:53,060 It has also been reintroduced into public museums. 558 00:23:53,760 --> 00:23:54,910 In terms of narrative? 559 00:23:54,920 --> 00:23:56,870 In his inaugural address, Lai Ching-te claimed... 560 00:23:56,880 --> 00:23:57,990 1624 561 00:23:58,000 --> 00:23:59,390 Starting from Tainan, Taiwan 562 00:23:59,400 --> 00:24:01,980 This marked the beginning of Taiwan's globalization. 563 00:24:02,240 --> 00:24:04,140 What happened in 1624? 564 00:24:04,320 --> 00:24:06,700 This marked the beginning of the Dutch colonization of Taiwan. 565 00:24:07,280 --> 00:24:09,540 In the DPP's new historical perspective on Taiwan 566 00:24:09,880 --> 00:24:12,390 All historical moments that led to contact with the mainland 567 00:24:12,400 --> 00:24:14,820 All must be suppressed or eliminated 568 00:24:15,040 --> 00:24:16,660 Everything related to the outside world 569 00:24:16,680 --> 00:24:18,630 Even the arrival of foreign colonizers 570 00:24:18,640 --> 00:24:21,700 All of these can be packaged as Taiwan's glory on the world stage. 571 00:24:22,520 --> 00:24:23,104 to be honest 572 00:24:23,114 --> 00:24:25,470 Taiwan needs to build its own ethnic identity 573 00:24:25,480 --> 00:24:26,820 This is not a problem. 574 00:24:26,920 --> 00:24:30,660 But there's no need to erase history and deny our ancestors. 575 00:24:31,120 --> 00:24:31,830 You want to split up the family 576 00:24:31,840 --> 00:24:35,660 Must we portray our brothers, sisters, and fellow villagers as completely unrelated and utterly useless? 577 00:24:36,080 --> 00:24:37,110 Unable to be family 578 00:24:37,120 --> 00:24:38,780 There's no need to become enemies then. 579 00:24:39,800 --> 00:24:41,870 This political maneuvering to de-Sinicize... 580 00:24:41,880 --> 00:24:43,030 In reality 581 00:24:43,040 --> 00:24:46,790 It turned into hatred and suppression of mainland Chinese people by the system. 582 00:24:46,800 --> 00:24:48,110 The most specific example 583 00:24:48,120 --> 00:24:51,940 This refers to the DPP's long-standing discriminatory treatment of mainland spouses. 584 00:24:52,400 --> 00:24:54,670 There are more than 300,000 mainland spouses in Taiwan. 585 00:24:54,680 --> 00:24:57,540 Women who married from the mainland 586 00:24:57,840 --> 00:24:58,870 They married Taiwanese men 587 00:24:58,880 --> 00:24:59,830 Living in Taiwan 588 00:24:59,840 --> 00:25:00,990 Raising Taiwanese children 589 00:25:01,000 --> 00:25:04,540 However, they faced obvious differential discrimination within the system. 590 00:25:05,000 --> 00:25:09,630 Other foreign spouses can apply for an ID card after residing in Taiwan for four years. 591 00:25:09,640 --> 00:25:12,460 Mainland spouses will have to wait a full six years. 592 00:25:12,960 --> 00:25:13,508 And also 593 00:25:13,518 --> 00:25:15,940 There are still many restrictions on social rights. 594 00:25:16,560 --> 00:25:17,590 Some mainland spouses said the wrong thing 595 00:25:17,600 --> 00:25:19,860 They've even been deported recently! 596 00:25:20,040 --> 00:25:21,230 This kind of differential treatment... 597 00:25:21,240 --> 00:25:23,540 On the surface, he cited national security as the reason. 598 00:25:23,800 --> 00:25:24,390 Actually 599 00:25:24,400 --> 00:25:26,270 It's about labeling mainland spouses. 600 00:25:26,280 --> 00:25:28,030 Turning it into a potential political threat 601 00:25:28,040 --> 00:25:31,860 This is intended to send a signal to Taiwanese society that mainlanders are the enemy. 602 00:25:32,520 --> 00:25:32,828 so 603 00:25:32,838 --> 00:25:35,190 The DPP's policies are not as they claim. 604 00:25:35,200 --> 00:25:36,670 It is to resist the infiltration of the CCP. 605 00:25:36,680 --> 00:25:37,540 Defend Taiwan 606 00:25:37,840 --> 00:25:40,700 What they are resisting is all connection with the mainland. 607 00:25:40,880 --> 00:25:43,990 What they're protecting is the DPP's monopoly. 608 00:25:44,000 --> 00:25:45,310 Even if you are Taiwanese 609 00:25:45,320 --> 00:25:47,780 As long as we express even a little goodwill towards the mainland 610 00:25:47,880 --> 00:25:49,900 Even if it has no connection whatsoever with the Communist Party 611 00:25:49,920 --> 00:25:51,940 You will also be criticized. 612 00:25:52,560 --> 00:25:54,110 This is no longer just about being anti-communist. 613 00:25:54,120 --> 00:25:56,340 It is blatant anti-China and anti-humanitarianism. 614 00:25:56,960 --> 00:25:57,750 But I have to say... 615 00:25:57,760 --> 00:25:59,430 The DPP's approach of glorifying colonialism 616 00:25:59,440 --> 00:26:00,590 De-Sinicization strategy 617 00:26:00,600 --> 00:26:02,620 It did indeed have a significant effect. 618 00:26:02,960 --> 00:26:04,476 You all probably remember last month, right? 619 00:26:04,486 --> 00:26:06,420 A very significant event has occurred in Japan. 620 00:26:06,720 --> 00:26:09,510 A Taiwanese mother and daughter traveling to Tokyo 621 00:26:09,520 --> 00:26:13,700 While taking photos at the famous Instagrammable spot, Shibuya intersection in Tokyo. 622 00:26:14,200 --> 00:26:17,220 He was deliberately knocked to the ground by a woman wearing a mask. 623 00:26:17,280 --> 00:26:18,260 Extremely bad 624 00:26:18,640 --> 00:26:20,630 After this incident went viral online... 625 00:26:20,640 --> 00:26:22,620 Including the Japanese 626 00:26:22,760 --> 00:26:25,620 Everyone is condemning the perpetrator. 627 00:26:26,360 --> 00:26:27,380 But in Taiwan 628 00:26:27,440 --> 00:26:30,180 However, a considerable number of DPP supporters 629 00:26:30,200 --> 00:26:33,620 On the contrary, the online trolls exposed the mother and daughter who were victims. 630 00:26:33,920 --> 00:26:37,350 It's wrong to say they took photos at the intersection in Shibuya. 631 00:26:37,360 --> 00:26:38,980 He deserved to be hit. 632 00:26:39,600 --> 00:26:40,166 Finally... 633 00:26:40,176 --> 00:26:43,420 This actually forced the victim's mother to apologize online. 634 00:26:44,040 --> 00:26:47,380 How absurd is this victim-blaming mentality! 635 00:26:47,960 --> 00:26:49,670 To this extent, they've become so pro-Japanese. 636 00:26:49,680 --> 00:26:52,020 This has exceeded the basic limits of normal human nature. 637 00:26:52,320 --> 00:26:53,470 Even more 638 00:26:53,480 --> 00:26:55,740 Even the history of comfort women is being glorified. 639 00:26:56,120 --> 00:26:56,550 As everyone knows 640 00:26:56,560 --> 00:26:59,660 The Japanese army in Taiwan, Korea and mainland China at that time 641 00:26:59,660 --> 00:27:02,780 They forcibly conscripted countless women to serve as comfort women. 642 00:27:03,080 --> 00:27:05,500 This matter is still being condemned to this day. 643 00:27:05,520 --> 00:27:06,870 There's nothing to whitewash. 644 00:27:06,880 --> 00:27:08,220 It's impossible to clear your name. 645 00:27:08,520 --> 00:27:09,113 And what was the result? 646 00:27:09,123 --> 00:27:11,710 The Democratic Progressive Party has a spokesperson named Dai Weishan. 647 00:27:11,720 --> 00:27:13,580 When she was on an online program 648 00:27:14,000 --> 00:27:17,710 She said that her grandmother and maternal grandmother both volunteered to be comfort women. 649 00:27:17,720 --> 00:27:19,380 I was not insulted at all 650 00:27:20,520 --> 00:27:22,180 Voluntarily serving as comfort women 651 00:27:22,400 --> 00:27:24,430 If your grandma and maternal grandma are still alive 652 00:27:24,440 --> 00:27:26,470 I wouldn't be at a loss to slap you twice. 653 00:27:26,480 --> 00:27:28,340 Is that even human language? 654 00:27:32,160 --> 00:27:34,510 I'd like to say a few more words on this topic today. 655 00:27:34,520 --> 00:27:37,340 How should we view colonial history? 656 00:27:38,000 --> 00:27:38,550 For a long time 657 00:27:38,560 --> 00:27:39,670 There is a saying online 658 00:27:39,680 --> 00:27:41,910 The colonization by Western powers, including Japan, in those years 659 00:27:41,920 --> 00:27:44,190 It brought civilized systems to the local area. 660 00:27:44,200 --> 00:27:46,750 It has brought about various achievements in modern construction. 661 00:27:46,760 --> 00:27:48,580 That's much better than autocracy. 662 00:27:48,760 --> 00:27:50,780 We should affirm rather than criticize 663 00:27:51,480 --> 00:27:52,830 Before I state my opinion... 664 00:27:52,840 --> 00:27:55,140 Let's first compare Taiwan and South Korea. 665 00:27:56,200 --> 00:27:58,910 Both Taiwan and South Korea were once Japanese colonies. 666 00:27:58,920 --> 00:28:00,590 Taiwan was ruled by Japan for fifty years 667 00:28:00,600 --> 00:28:02,820 Korea was ruled for thirty-five years 668 00:28:03,040 --> 00:28:04,180 During the colonial period 669 00:28:04,200 --> 00:28:07,301 Both places experienced infrastructure construction and forced labor. 670 00:28:07,311 --> 00:28:09,700 Cultural cleansing and various bloody repressions 671 00:28:10,000 --> 00:28:12,510 According to the logic of the colonizers' merits 672 00:28:12,520 --> 00:28:17,060 Therefore, the legacy left by the Japanese colonizers should be the key to the development of these two places. 673 00:28:18,040 --> 00:28:19,260 But the reality is... 674 00:28:19,400 --> 00:28:22,740 After Taiwan and Korea gained independence from Japanese colonial rule 675 00:28:23,080 --> 00:28:27,180 They achieved far greater success than the colonial era entirely on their own. 676 00:28:27,560 --> 00:28:30,500 GDP per capita increased from $700 during the Japanese colonial period 677 00:28:30,520 --> 00:28:33,620 It had reached $37,800 by 2025. 678 00:28:33,800 --> 00:28:34,870 South Korea is even more outrageous. 679 00:28:34,880 --> 00:28:39,180 From a state of extreme poverty with a per capita GDP of $87 in 1962 680 00:28:39,480 --> 00:28:43,220 In 2025, the per capita GDP reached US$37,500. 681 00:28:43,840 --> 00:28:44,670 At the same time 682 00:28:44,680 --> 00:28:47,220 As the former suzerain state of Japan 683 00:28:47,560 --> 00:28:51,420 In 2025, its GDP per capita was $35,000. 684 00:28:51,520 --> 00:28:54,740 In other words, he has been overtaken by both Taiwan and South Korea. 685 00:28:55,400 --> 00:28:57,070 These data points are put together 686 00:28:57,080 --> 00:28:58,580 This illustrates a simple truth. 687 00:28:59,080 --> 00:29:00,070 The same ethnic group 688 00:29:00,080 --> 00:29:03,780 After gaining the right to independent development by freeing themselves from colonizers 689 00:29:04,080 --> 00:29:06,980 Creativity unleashed under a democratic system 690 00:29:07,280 --> 00:29:10,900 Far surpassing their achievements during the colonial period. 691 00:29:11,880 --> 00:29:13,740 The prosperity of Taiwan and South Korea today 692 00:29:13,840 --> 00:29:16,030 It is not a legacy of Japanese colonialism. 693 00:29:16,040 --> 00:29:19,020 It was achieved through the hard work of the people in both places. 694 00:29:19,600 --> 00:29:21,460 Let me talk about Hong Kong and Singapore. 695 00:29:21,920 --> 00:29:23,390 Britain as a model of colonization 696 00:29:23,400 --> 00:29:24,590 His governance of the colonies 697 00:29:24,600 --> 00:29:26,340 That's much more civilized than the Japanese. 698 00:29:26,440 --> 00:29:29,800 Although he also restricted the political rights of the colonists, but... 699 00:29:29,810 --> 00:29:30,990 At least they didn't carry out a massacre. 700 00:29:31,000 --> 00:29:32,820 There will be no forced assimilation. 701 00:29:33,200 --> 00:29:36,230 In areas such as the rule of law, free trade, and property rights protection 702 00:29:36,240 --> 00:29:39,140 They all left behind very comprehensive institutional frameworks. 703 00:29:39,440 --> 00:29:39,874 so 704 00:29:39,884 --> 00:29:42,340 The subsequent rise of Hong Kong and Singapore 705 00:29:42,480 --> 00:29:44,750 It is indeed related to British colonization. 706 00:29:44,760 --> 00:29:46,820 No one can deny this. 707 00:29:47,400 --> 00:29:48,510 But as everyone knows... 708 00:29:48,520 --> 00:29:51,300 Britain colonized many Third World countries at that time. 709 00:29:51,520 --> 00:29:53,820 Colonies can be said to be all over the world. 710 00:29:53,840 --> 00:29:55,230 Most backward colonies 711 00:29:55,240 --> 00:29:56,990 In the decades following independence 712 00:29:57,000 --> 00:29:58,590 The problem remains deeply entrenched and difficult to reverse. 713 00:29:58,600 --> 00:30:00,512 India is mired in poverty 714 00:30:00,522 --> 00:30:03,140 He only started out in the last twenty years. 715 00:30:03,840 --> 00:30:06,270 Really achieved great economic success 716 00:30:06,280 --> 00:30:08,660 Truly among developed economies 717 00:30:08,760 --> 00:30:10,780 Only Hong Kong and Singapore 718 00:30:11,360 --> 00:30:13,620 Both inherited the British legal system. 719 00:30:13,760 --> 00:30:16,620 Why are Hong Kong and Singapore so successful? 720 00:30:16,960 --> 00:30:18,100 It's obvious. 721 00:30:18,120 --> 00:30:21,660 This is closely related to the fact that both places are predominantly Chinese. 722 00:30:22,160 --> 00:30:25,350 The Chinese community is known for its hard work, resilience, and law-abiding behavior. 723 00:30:25,360 --> 00:30:27,860 He only needs a suitable institutional environment 724 00:30:27,920 --> 00:30:29,220 He couldn't possibly have a bad life. 725 00:30:29,680 --> 00:30:30,590 Chinese people all over the world 726 00:30:30,600 --> 00:30:31,710 No matter which place you choose 727 00:30:31,720 --> 00:30:32,790 That's how it is. 728 00:30:32,800 --> 00:30:33,940 One generation suffers 729 00:30:34,080 --> 00:30:35,420 The second generation can turn things around 730 00:30:36,000 --> 00:30:37,870 Don't even mention the British rule of law environment. 731 00:30:37,880 --> 00:30:40,140 Look at China's reform and opening up now! 732 00:30:40,320 --> 00:30:44,300 Even under communist dictatorship where freedom is severely restricted 733 00:30:44,560 --> 00:30:49,421 They only granted the Chinese a little bit of freedom in the economic sphere. 734 00:30:49,431 --> 00:30:52,260 This has created the world's second-largest economy. 735 00:30:53,160 --> 00:30:55,270 Can you say that this achievement belongs to the Communist Party? 736 00:30:55,280 --> 00:30:56,190 Is it Deng Xiaoping's? 737 00:30:56,200 --> 00:30:57,580 Is it Xi Jinping's? 738 00:30:57,760 --> 00:30:58,900 Of course not 739 00:30:58,920 --> 00:31:00,900 This is an achievement of the Chinese people. 740 00:31:01,720 --> 00:31:03,790 Therefore, the success of Hong Kong and Singapore 741 00:31:03,800 --> 00:31:07,750 Ultimately, it is the success of hardworking, law-abiding people. 742 00:31:07,760 --> 00:31:09,820 Rather than the success of the colonizers 743 00:31:10,280 --> 00:31:12,980 We should fully affirm the positive impact of colonizers. 744 00:31:13,040 --> 00:31:16,820 However, his main achievements were always created by the local people. 745 00:31:17,360 --> 00:31:19,270 So when we look at colonial history... 746 00:31:19,280 --> 00:31:21,150 We should and must be objective. 747 00:31:21,160 --> 00:31:22,430 Merits should be publicized. 748 00:31:22,440 --> 00:31:24,380 Even if you have something to say, you should still talk about it. 749 00:31:24,400 --> 00:31:29,140 However, there is no need to romanticize colonial history entirely. 750 00:31:30,000 --> 00:31:30,602 Moreover 751 00:31:30,612 --> 00:31:32,460 Out of natural national sentiment 752 00:31:32,520 --> 00:31:33,550 People all over the world 753 00:31:33,560 --> 00:31:35,070 Regardless of ethnicity or country 754 00:31:35,080 --> 00:31:37,540 He has an innate aversion to foreign rule. 755 00:31:37,880 --> 00:31:40,140 There are various reasons why a country is backward. 756 00:31:40,320 --> 00:31:43,140 However, if we attribute it solely to race... 757 00:31:43,240 --> 00:31:44,310 Blaming ancestors 758 00:31:44,320 --> 00:31:46,660 It can be attributed to the lack of a master civilization. 759 00:31:47,560 --> 00:31:48,510 This kind of forgetting one's roots 760 00:31:48,520 --> 00:31:50,140 It won't make us seem rational. 761 00:31:50,160 --> 00:31:52,820 It would only make us look foolish and mean. 762 00:31:56,840 --> 00:31:57,510 After saying so much... 763 00:31:57,520 --> 00:31:58,790 Back to the initial question 764 00:31:58,800 --> 00:32:02,460 Why did Lai Ching-te make these remarks in March 2025? 765 00:32:02,680 --> 00:32:04,380 The answer isn't actually that complicated. 766 00:32:04,720 --> 00:32:06,710 Symposium on the 30th Anniversary of Taiwan's Direct Presidential Election 767 00:32:06,720 --> 00:32:10,020 This is an excellent opportunity to unite Taiwanese identity. 768 00:32:10,040 --> 00:32:10,830 In this context 769 00:32:10,840 --> 00:32:12,150 glorifying Japanese colonialism 770 00:32:12,160 --> 00:32:13,260 vilifying the Kuomintang 771 00:32:13,560 --> 00:32:14,900 There is only one goal. 772 00:32:15,000 --> 00:32:17,750 Continue to widen the historical and emotional distance between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait 773 00:32:17,760 --> 00:32:21,220 To build a foundation of public opinion for the next political maneuver. 774 00:32:21,520 --> 00:32:23,250 This is something the DPP has used for decades. 775 00:32:23,260 --> 00:32:25,380 A set of operations that has been mastered to a high degree 776 00:32:25,840 --> 00:32:26,910 The problem is 777 00:32:26,920 --> 00:32:30,580 Where is this operation trying to lead Taiwan? 778 00:32:31,400 --> 00:32:32,350 Public opinion on the mainland 779 00:32:32,360 --> 00:32:34,350 It's actually different from the DPP's propaganda. 780 00:32:34,360 --> 00:32:37,710 A poll conducted a few days ago by the Carter Center in the United States in cooperation with a Chinese polling company 781 00:32:37,720 --> 00:32:39,380 A large-scale survey 782 00:32:39,520 --> 00:32:42,260 Two thousand five hundred adults from the continent were interviewed. 783 00:32:42,840 --> 00:32:44,790 In terms of emotional ratings towards Taiwan 784 00:32:44,800 --> 00:32:47,380 The average score given by respondents was 62. 785 00:32:47,800 --> 00:32:48,980 One hundred points is the maximum score 786 00:32:49,000 --> 00:32:50,060 In other words... 787 00:32:50,200 --> 00:32:52,390 The overall sentiment of mainland Chinese people towards Taiwan 788 00:32:52,400 --> 00:32:54,100 It tends to be positive. 789 00:32:54,360 --> 00:32:56,550 In terms of ways to improve cross-strait relations 790 00:32:56,560 --> 00:33:01,150 The approach most supported by respondents was to strengthen cultural exchanges and economic and trade interactions. 791 00:33:01,160 --> 00:33:02,500 Instead of unification by force 792 00:33:03,560 --> 00:33:05,270 The truth revealed by this opinion poll 793 00:33:05,280 --> 00:33:07,646 The Democratic Progressive Party has long instilled in Taiwanese people the idea that the mainland population is on full alert for war. 794 00:33:07,646 --> 00:33:12,380 The scenario of seizing the island is completely different. 795 00:33:12,960 --> 00:33:14,550 The real issue between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait 796 00:33:14,560 --> 00:33:17,150 It has always been the political system that creates this divide. 797 00:33:17,160 --> 00:33:19,740 Instead of the hatred fabricated by politicians 798 00:33:20,040 --> 00:33:21,830 Most mainland Chinese and Taiwanese 799 00:33:21,840 --> 00:33:23,590 If there's a chance to sit down and have a drink 800 00:33:23,600 --> 00:33:26,788 I reckon most of the conversation was about everyday things, food, and kids. 801 00:33:26,798 --> 00:33:28,980 It will absolutely not be about unification or independence. 802 00:33:29,560 --> 00:33:30,099 Of course! 803 00:33:30,109 --> 00:33:33,420 This poll also revealed a very worrying aspect. 804 00:33:33,640 --> 00:33:35,790 Compared to the survey conducted in early 2025... 805 00:33:35,800 --> 00:33:38,700 Support the proportion of animals under no circumstances. 806 00:33:38,920 --> 00:33:41,580 It dropped from 51% to 38%. 807 00:33:42,040 --> 00:33:42,950 In other words 808 00:33:42,960 --> 00:33:45,900 Public opinion against unification by force is narrowing. 809 00:33:46,320 --> 00:33:47,590 This situation occurs 810 00:33:47,600 --> 00:33:50,430 It is precisely because of the DPP's one-sided hatred of China and its efforts to de-Sinicize China over the past two years 811 00:33:50,440 --> 00:33:52,700 This has led to a change in public opinion on the mainland. 812 00:33:53,480 --> 00:33:55,430 Lai Ching-te and the DPP's biggest problem 813 00:33:55,440 --> 00:33:56,990 It's not actually a political stance. 814 00:33:57,000 --> 00:33:59,300 Rather, it is populist ambition. 815 00:33:59,920 --> 00:34:03,860 Every political party has the right to assert what it considers the correct political stance. 816 00:34:03,960 --> 00:34:06,100 Even if that stance is to pursue Taiwan independence 817 00:34:06,680 --> 00:34:09,350 However, the way the Democratic Progressive Party pursues its goals 818 00:34:09,360 --> 00:34:11,630 He did it by continuously creating fear. 819 00:34:11,640 --> 00:34:12,870 Amplify the opposition 820 00:34:12,880 --> 00:34:14,820 Manipulating ethnic sentiments 821 00:34:15,000 --> 00:34:17,980 This is a typical tactic of populist political parties. 822 00:34:18,760 --> 00:34:19,950 History has proven time and again 823 00:34:19,960 --> 00:34:21,340 The Cost of Populist Politics 824 00:34:21,360 --> 00:34:23,100 These burdens are all borne by ordinary people. 825 00:34:23,439 --> 00:34:28,059 When politicians use external tensions as a tool to deflect attention from their own problems... 826 00:34:28,199 --> 00:34:32,539 When loving Taiwan is defined as necessarily hating everything related to mainland China 827 00:34:32,719 --> 00:34:37,219 Therefore, all that is accumulating in this society is division and exhaustion. 828 00:34:38,040 --> 00:34:38,750 People of mainland China 829 00:34:38,760 --> 00:34:40,790 We have no choice in our own destiny. 830 00:34:40,800 --> 00:34:42,470 Whether it's people who yearn for systemic change 831 00:34:42,480 --> 00:34:44,380 People who are still dissatisfied with the status quo across the Taiwan Strait 832 00:34:44,720 --> 00:34:46,190 In that kind of environment on the mainland... 833 00:34:46,200 --> 00:34:48,260 Their voices were extremely limited. 834 00:34:48,600 --> 00:34:51,740 However, Taiwanese people have channels for expression and the right to vote. 835 00:34:52,000 --> 00:34:53,790 This is Taiwan's most precious thing. 836 00:34:53,800 --> 00:34:56,060 It was something that countless people fought for. 837 00:34:56,320 --> 00:34:59,940 The significance of a vote lies in the fact that the people can use it to correct mistakes. 838 00:35:00,600 --> 00:35:04,340 Correct those politicians who place their own power above the interests of the people. 839 00:35:04,480 --> 00:35:08,340 Correct those policy directions that push cross-strait relations toward unnecessary dangers. 840 00:35:09,400 --> 00:35:12,060 Americans elected Trump in 2016. 841 00:35:12,680 --> 00:35:14,510 There was an opportunity to correct the mistake four years later. 842 00:35:14,520 --> 00:35:18,060 However, he was sent back to the White House again in 2024. 843 00:35:18,520 --> 00:35:21,180 The cost of this choice is now clear to everyone. 844 00:35:21,560 --> 00:35:23,020 The whole world is bearing the burden 845 00:35:23,840 --> 00:35:25,700 The situation for Taiwanese people is even more dangerous. 846 00:35:26,000 --> 00:35:28,180 Taiwan doesn't have the size and resources of the United States. 847 00:35:28,520 --> 00:35:32,380 The cost of making mistakes may be much higher than the cost of mistakes made by Americans. 848 00:35:32,640 --> 00:35:36,740 Taiwan's most fundamental interest is not to preserve the DPP's rule. 849 00:35:36,840 --> 00:35:38,870 Realizing Lai Ching-te's vision of independence 850 00:35:38,880 --> 00:35:42,860 Rather, it is to preserve Taiwan's hard-won democracy, freedom, and peace. 851 00:35:43,640 --> 00:35:44,870 Cross-strait relations have reached this point. 852 00:35:44,880 --> 00:35:47,900 A great deal of misunderstanding, fear, and antagonism has accumulated. 853 00:35:47,920 --> 00:35:48,750 These problems 854 00:35:48,760 --> 00:35:49,750 There is no easy answer. 855 00:35:49,760 --> 00:35:51,990 It is also impossible to resolve in a short period of time. 856 00:35:52,000 --> 00:35:53,740 But one thing is clear. 857 00:35:54,160 --> 00:35:55,510 A person who reads history backwards 858 00:35:55,520 --> 00:35:56,870 Treating colonizers as benefactors 859 00:35:56,880 --> 00:35:58,510 Treating cultural roots as shackles 860 00:35:58,520 --> 00:36:01,900 A political line that treats exchanges between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait as a threat. 861 00:36:01,960 --> 00:36:03,950 He is definitely not protecting Taiwan. 862 00:36:03,960 --> 00:36:07,710 Instead, it is gradually depleting Taiwan's most precious resources. 863 00:36:07,720 --> 00:36:12,060 That is the inclusiveness and self-confidence built up over decades of democratization. 864 00:36:12,840 --> 00:36:14,580 Mao Zedong thanked Japan for its invasion back then. 865 00:36:14,600 --> 00:36:17,820 It was because the Japanese invasion did indeed help him seize power. 866 00:36:18,080 --> 00:36:20,190 Lai Ching-te is now grateful for Japanese colonialism. 867 00:36:20,200 --> 00:36:24,220 It's because severing ties with history does indeed help him achieve de jure Taiwan independence. 868 00:36:24,760 --> 00:36:25,230 Essentially 869 00:36:25,240 --> 00:36:29,700 These are all manifestations of placing party interests and personal interests above national interests. 870 00:36:30,160 --> 00:36:32,460 We all hope for a better future for both sides of the Taiwan Strait. 871 00:36:32,680 --> 00:36:36,350 This future does not need to build identity by glorifying colonizers. 872 00:36:36,360 --> 00:36:39,500 There's no need to belittle oneself to prove one's worth. 873 00:36:40,080 --> 00:36:41,540 It doesn't matter who it is. 874 00:36:41,600 --> 00:36:45,340 The important thing is that we must first be upright people. 875 00:36:46,240 --> 00:36:46,395 good 876 00:36:46,405 --> 00:36:48,390 That concludes today's commentary. 877 00:36:48,400 --> 00:36:49,030 Thank you for watching. 878 00:36:49,040 --> 00:36:50,660 See you next time!