TAIWAN-HISTORY-POLITICS
Sun Yat-sen's portrait has appeared at national ceremonies in Taiwan. The Taiwanese government has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to China to attend commemorations of Sun Yat-sen's 160th birthday, believing that Beijing may use this opportunity to promote a specific cross-strait political narrative. Images should be verified for their time and location, and unverified photos from commemorative events should be avoided.

The government has urged the public to avoid traveling to China for events next month marking the 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s birth, saying Beijing could use the occasion to promote a particular political narrative. The warning again highlights differences between Taiwan and China over the interpretation of history, political identity and cross-strait relations.

According to a Reuters report published on Oct. 16, China plans to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Sun’s birth on Nov. 12. Sun helped lead the 1911 Xinhai Revolution, which overthrew China’s last imperial dynasty, and founded the Republic of China, giving him an important place in history on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

The Mainland Affairs Council said China’s interpretation of Sun’s historical role does not accurately reflect the facts, and criticized Beijing for using commemorative events to promote opposition to Taiwan independence and the political goal of unification. The council therefore advised the public not to travel to China to attend the events, warning that participants could be incorporated into Beijing’s political propaganda.

In Taiwan’s official historical narrative, Sun is honored as the nation’s founding father, and his portrait is displayed in the Presidential Office. Taiwan and China, however, have sharply different views of the history of the Republic of China, Taiwan’s political status and the future direction of cross-strait relations.

The Republic of China government relocated to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War in 1949, and the name Republic of China remains Taiwan’s official name. China maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory and continues to pursue unification, while Taiwan’s government stresses that the island’s future should be decided by its people.

Commemorations of Sun’s birth therefore involve more than historical remembrance; they also touch on political identity and national narratives on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Beijing has previously used related commemorations to emphasize national rejuvenation and unification, while Taiwan has expressed concern over China’s linking of historical figures with its unification agenda.

For people in Taiwan, deciding whether to attend such events involves personal plans and political judgment. The government’s warning reflects its assessment of cross-strait political risks and propaganda activities. China had not responded to related inquiries by the time of Reuters’ report.

As the November commemorative date approaches, how the two sides handle shared historical figures and their political symbolism could remain a sensitive issue in cross-strait diplomacy and public debate.