Beijing Review

March 10, 2003

Taiwan's "Cultural Independence" Betrays Its Roots

In order to split the motherland, the Taiwan authorities have asserted Taiwan's cultural independence, stating that Taiwan is a "maritime state of immigration" with a history of only 400 years, and the Chinese culture is only a branch of Taiwan culture. They even want to establish "Taiwan dialect" as their "national language" and create their own written language. The so-called "Taiwan dialect" consists of four dialects: traditional native, south Fujian, Hakka and Beijing (modern native dialect) dialects. Meanwhile, they also talk about "Taiwan nationality," "Taiwan history" and "Taiwan geography."

"'Taiwan cultural independence' is actually a kind of treason, betraying Chinese culture. It is a serious crisis and disaster in terms of China's cultural history," Guo said. Guo regards Taiwan's crisis of identity, with its cultural identification at the core, as a serious problem for Taiwan. The crisis will be developed into a national identity, which suits the ambition of the Taiwan authorities.

Taiwan has been a component of China since ancient times. Compatriots in Taiwan are as close to people in Fujian, especially in south Fujian, as flesh and blood. This is the objective reality and cannot be denied. Like Fujian Province, Taiwan is a component of China. "The mainstream of Taiwan culture is only a part of south Fujian culture, whose matrix is Chinese culture," Guo added.

Today, the political relationship across the Taiwan Straits stagnates, but non-governmental exchanges in culture and economic trade remain popular. The fight against Taiwan independence and promoting reunification launched by overseas Chinese indicate that Taiwan's cultural independence is against the common aspiration of the Chinese people.