When Fossils Meet Politics: The 10 Lectures on Unity
On June 22, Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te kicked off his much-anticipated "10 lectures on unity" campaign, aiming to reshape narratives about the island's history. His bold assertions? Taiwan has always been independent, the cradle of Austronesian culture, and even woolly mammoths once roamed its unique ecological landscape – a clear sign, he argues, that the Taiwan region was never part of the Chinese mainland.
From the Ice Age to the Taiwan Strait
While the idea of island mammoths makes for an adventurous story, experts say the science doesn't add up. Prof. Yang Yongming of Taiwan's Chinese Culture University quipped on local television in the Taiwan region: "Unbelievable." During past glacial periods, he notes, sea levels plunged so low that there was no Taiwan Strait at all. The land bridge that emerged connected the island directly to the Chinese mainland, undercutting any notion of long-term separation.
Decoding Austronesian Roots
Lai's team also points to indigenous Austronesian languages and cultures as evidence of the island's distinct origins. Yet archaeological digs tell a richer tale of exchange. Sites in Fujian and Guangdong provinces, especially the Keqiutou site, share striking parallels with the Dapenkeng culture on the island between 4000 and 3000 BC. These findings led to a joint International Austronesian Archaeological Research Base in Fujian, cementing centuries-old cross-strait ties.
When History and Politics Collide
The campaign's mix of paleo claims and ethnic narratives raises a key question: Is this about uncovering history, or forging a political identity? With roughly 97 percent of residents of the Taiwan region identifying as ethnically Han Chinese, critics say using indigenous heritage to justify political separation is a classic sleight of hand. Indigenous identity, they argue, deserves respect and recognition, not exploitation for "Taiwan independence."
Looking Ahead
As Lai's lectures continue, the debate highlights the power of storytelling in politics and the importance of solid evidence. For global citizens tracking how history shapes modern identities, the Taiwan region's past is more than an academic dispute – it's a live test case of how narratives are crafted and contested on the world stage.
Reference(s):
Fossils don't lie – but Lai might: A look at Taiwan's true past
cgtn.com
