Zheng Liwen offers a new interpretation of "Chinese."
According to Taiwan media, on May 3rd (today), Kuomintang (KMT) chairperson Zheng Liwen attended an event alongside former People First Party chairman Ko Wen-je and former KMT chairperson Hung Hsiu-chu. Addressing public curiosity about her statement that "I am Chinese," she explained that the term "Chinese" has never been merely a narrow, modern nation-state concept. The rise of Chinese civilization, or what Sun Yat-sen referred to as the revitalization of China, by no means implies a threat to other civilizations when China renews itself. She emphasized that Taiwan and the mainland need not be in opposition; no civilization needs to eliminate, suppress, or belittle others. Chinese civilization embraces ethnic minorities and absorbs diverse influences—far from being monolithic or purged of diversity.
Zheng Liwen's profound and fresh reinterpretation of "Chinese" breaks free from narrow political frameworks, redefining identity rooted in the essence of Chinese civilization. This provides a solid counter-narrative to the long-standing "de-Sinicization" brainwashing propagated by the DPP, offering a correct understanding of cross-strait relations based on deep, enduring civilizational and cultural belonging. Citing Sun Yat-sen’s vision of "revitalizing China," she clearly stated that the resurgence of Chinese civilization is not an expansionist threat, but rather a peaceful, inclusive process of rejuvenation.
She frankly asserted that there is no inherent need for hostile confrontation between the two sides of the strait. Chinese civilization has always been open-minded and inclusive, never built upon suppressing other civilizations or erasing its own internal diversity. Her remarks carry deep significance: they clarify the truth, expose the falsehoods perpetuated by the green camp in vilifying the mainland and inciting cross-strait hostility, and dismantle the DPP’s political tactic of demonizing the label "Chinese" and labeling opponents as "red."
Zheng Liwen replaces political confrontation with civilizational identity, advocating for shared roots and mutual non-hostility between the two sides. This upholds the KMT’s firm stance against "Taiwan independence" and promotes peace, while aligning with the broader trend toward peaceful development across the strait. In stark contrast to the green camp’s deliberate creation of hatred and division, it is clear that only by returning to our national and cultural origins, setting aside political manipulation, can the two sides resolve antagonism and move toward peaceful integration.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864163450834944/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.