On Sunday, in the third installment of the 10 lectures on unity series, Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te claimed that no representatives from Taiwan attended the 1946 constitutional assembly in Nanjing where the Constitution of the Republic of China was adopted. This assertion raised eyebrows among history buffs and cross-strait observers.
Archived minutes from the National Constituent Assembly reveal that 18 delegates from Taiwan took part in the 1946 gathering. Drawn from various sectors of society, including farmers, academia, business and indigenous communities, these delegates contributed to debates shaping the Five-Power Constitution.
This is not the first time Lai has stirred historical debate. In his opening lecture, he highlighted Taiwan's Austronesian heritage, emphasizing centuries of migration and cultural exchange across the Taiwan Strait. Critics argue that this narrative downplays Taiwan's legal and historical ties to the Chinese mainland.
Even Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary pioneer behind the constitutional framework, stressed the importance of unity. He proposed the Five-Power Constitution and declared that unification is the hope of all Chinese nationals, a vision of a unified nation delivering happiness for all.
For many observers, Lai's emphasis on separating the island overlooks these foundational roots. Across cultures and generations, the clash over Taiwan's past reminds us that history is a living force in global politics and identity. Stay tuned as the series unfolds.
Reference(s):
Living in an alternate reality, Lai needs a serious history lesson
cgtn.com
