Taiwan Commemorates 78th anniversary of 228 Incident with Apologies and Remembrance
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Taipei, Taiwan – February 28 marks the 78th anniversary of the 228 Incident, a profoundly notable and painful chapter in Taiwan’s history. Across the island, memorial events took place to honor the victims and reflect on the enduring impact of this tragedy. President Lai Ching-te delivered a formal apology on behalf of the nation, expressing deep respect for those who bravely resisted authoritarianism during and after the incident. Solemn ceremonies, including the ringing of church bells and prayer services, provided spaces for remembrance and healing on this importent day.
The 228 Incident, which began on February 28, 1947, remains a pivotal moment in Taiwan’s collective memory, profoundly shaping its identity and political landscape. The events of that year and the subsequent crackdown left an indelible scar on the nation, leading to long-lasting social and political repercussions that continue to resonate today.
President Lai Ching-te Apologizes on Behalf of the Nation
The official commemoration ceremony was held at the 228 national Memorial Hall, with President Lai Ching-te, the Premier, and the Minister of the Interior in attendance. In a moving address, Lai Ching-te reiterated the nation’s apology, stating:
I wish to apologize again on behalf of the country, and would like to express respect to all the victims who bravely faced authority, to express condolences to those who sadly lost their precious lives, to those who escaped the death disaster and are still alive, and to express condolences to all the families.
Lai Ching-te addressed the ancient context of the 228 Incident, pointing to the actions of the mainland army and the governance of Chen Yi as contributing factors. He stated:
The cause of the 228 incident was from the mainland army. They stole, robbed and destroyed it. The gap in life civilization caused anger and resentment from heaven. In addition, Chen Yi’s army’s military discipline was corrupt, and the dictator Chiang Kai-shek committed heinous crimes to ensure his rule in Taiwan under the situation of war in the mainland.
The President acknowledged the immense suffering endured by countless individuals and families, noting:
Countless innocent people were captured, imprisoned, beaten, killed, and their families were destroyed. Many families also avoided overseas as of this. Taiwanese society lost a generation of elites, and the impact on Taiwan was incalculable.
Looking forward,lai Ching-te pledged the government’s commitment to uncovering the full truth of the 228 Incident.He promised:
The government will accelerate the opening of political archives and investigate the truth.
Furthermore, he announced initiatives to preserve sites of historical significance, including the Yikwang church and the location of the Linzhai blood case on February 28, 1980, transforming them into “places with the significance of transformational justice.” The aim is to allow future generations to learn from the past and strengthen Taiwan’s democratic values.
Commemorations Across Taiwan
Throughout Taiwan, various events were held to commemorate the 78th anniversary. In Kaohsiung, DPP legislators participated in memorial activities, emphasizing the importance of understanding past pain to foster reconciliation and unity. one legislator proposed the “Regulations on Responsibility for the Rights of Victims in the State during the Authoritarian Rule” to ensure victims receive compensation without affecting their social welfare. Additionally, the “Regulations on the preservation of Unjust Sites” were proposed to protect historical sites. There was also a proposal to amend the “Association Law of the National chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Management Office” to shift the focus away from personality cults and towards documenting Taiwan’s democratic advancement and the scars of authoritarian rule.
In Taichung, Jiang Qichen, vice president of the Legislative Yuan of the Kuomintang, attended a memorial service. He emphasized the need to:
Face history humbly and honestly,restoring the truth and reflecting on the past
to achieve healing and unity. He added:
The length of time cannot change past mistakes.The memorial and commemoration every year is to avoid mistakes from happening again,and at the same time unite and promote the society and the country to continue moving forward.
Taipei observed the anniversary with a poignant ceremony at Jinan church, where the church bells rang 39 times at 2:28 p.m., symbolizing the number of lashes Jesus received under Roman law.A pastor’s sermon was shared with survivors. Kedagran Avenue hosted the Symbiosis Music Festival, using exhibitions, music, art, lectures, and a human rights market to engage youth in remembering the 228 Incident.
The Legacy of the 228 Incident
The 228 Incident, triggered by a dispute over smuggled cigarettes on February 28, 1947, quickly escalated into widespread protests and clashes between Taiwanese citizens and government forces. According to the “228 Incident Research Report” of the Executive Yuan of Taiwan, several factors contributed to the tragedy. These included a lack of understanding between the Taiwanese population and the new Chinese government, stemming from taiwan’s 50 years of Japanese colonial rule, and also political shortcomings, poor military discipline, unfair political participation, and economic mismanagement.
The report highlighted:
The fuse of the ‘228 Massacre Incident’ was that anti-smugglers and constitutional police units were improperly dealt with anti-smuggling cigarettes, which led to some taipei citizens petitioning and demonstrating on February 28, 1947, and strikes and market strikes.The incident of police guards shooting and petitioning the people on that day was out of control, and the turmoil broke out from petitioning to punishing the murderers to confront the police, which intensified into provincial conflicts.
The unrest spread rapidly across the island, transforming a public security incident into a political movement.Local leaders seized the opportunity to demand reforms,and armed conflicts erupted in some areas.
In Kaohsiung, on March 3, 1947, a confrontation occurred when civilians besieged the 105 rear hospital and military police team. Peng Mengji, the commander of Kaohsiung Fortress, viewed this as a rebellion and ordered a military response. While order was restored, the military action resulted in casualties among civilians at the Kaohsiung Municipal Government and the railway station.Subsequent operations led to the arrest of 1,500 suspects, some of whom were publicly executed.
The “228 Incident” is considered “the most painful human tragedy in Taiwan’s history.” The report estimates that thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of people were killed, including social elites and ordinary citizens. The event left deep scars on the families of victims and the broader Taiwanese population. The report concludes that this tragedy fueled the Taiwan independence movement, left-leaning ideologies, and provincial divisions, significantly impacting social harmony and future development.
Moving Forward
As Taiwan commemorates the 78th anniversary of the 228 Incident, the nation continues to grapple with its legacy. The apologies, memorials, and ongoing efforts to uncover the truth reflect a commitment to acknowledging the past and building a more just and unified future. By confronting the painful memories of the 228 Incident, Taiwan seeks to strengthen its democracy and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
Taiwan’s 228 Incident: Unpacking 78 Years of Trauma, reconciliation, and the Pursuit of Justice
Did you no that the 228 Incident, a pivotal moment in Taiwanese history, continues to profoundly shape the nation’s identity and political landscape, even 78 years later? This isn’t just a historical event; it’s a living testament to the enduring power of trauma, the necessity of reconciliation, and the ongoing struggle for justice.
Interviewer (senior Editor, world-today-news.com): Dr. Lin, thank you for joining us. The recent 78th anniversary of the 228 Incident saw President Lai Ching-te issue a formal apology. Can you explain the significance of this apology within the broader context of Taiwan’s history?
Dr. Lin (Expert on Taiwanese History and Politics): The apology from President Lai Ching-te represents a important step in Taiwan’s ongoing process of coming to terms with the 228 Incident.For decades, the event remained a suppressed and painful memory, a taboo subject that obscured the truth and prevented proper healing. This formal acknowledgement of state culpability, the expression of remorse for the immense suffering inflicted upon the Taiwanese people, and the commitment to uncovering the complete truth are crucial for national reconciliation and healing. This isn’t just about a single apology; it’s about recognizing a national wound and beginning the long process of healing it. This is key to moving past the trauma and building a stronger, more unified nation. It finally allows a more sincere approach to addressing the long-term repercussions of authoritarian rule, a crucial aspect of historical truth and reconciliation.
Interviewer: The incident stemmed from a seemingly minor event – a dispute over smuggled cigarettes. How did such a small incident escalate into a massacre?
Dr. Lin: The 228 incident serves as a stark reminder that seemingly small sparks can ignite massive conflagrations, especially when fueled by pre-existing tensions and societal inequalities. The cigarette smuggling incident acted as a catalyst, exposing deep-seated resentment and frustration amongst the Taiwanese population towards the authoritarian rule of the then-Kuomintang government. Years of colonial rule under Japan, followed by a change in administration with vastly different cultural values and governance styles, created a climate of misunderstanding and friction.Added to this was the systematic suppression of Taiwanese voices and political participation, leading to a population primed for unrest. The brutality with which the authorities responded to peaceful protests only exacerbated the situation, leading to widespread violence and the tragic loss of countless innocent lives. Essentially, the event highlighted the fragility of social order in the face of unresolved grievances and the devastating consequences of unchecked state power.
Interviewer: The President’s statement highlighted the actions of the mainland army and Chen Yi’s governance as contributing factors. How influential were these in the events of 1947?
Dr. Lin: President Lai Ching-te rightfully highlighted the role of the mainland army’s actions in triggering the initial violence and the role of Chen Yi’s administration in the subsequent crackdown. The excessive force employed by the military, incidents of theft and violence by soldiers, and the overall lack of military discipline created a climate of fear and distrust among the population. Chen Yi’s administration’s responses to the growing unrest further escalated the situation. These were pivotal in allowing the events to spiral out of control and leading to the widespread violence. The situation was exacerbated by the already existing tensions caused by poor governance and economic inequalities. Essentially, the initial trigger was just that, a trigger, on an already highly volatile powder keg.
Interviewer: The government is committed to uncovering the full truth. What are the key challenges in achieving this?
Dr. Lin: uncovering the full truth of the 228 incident is a monumental task with many significant hurdles faced, including the following:
Locating and accessing historical documents: The process involves the careful examination and assessment of numerous archives, many of which might be fragmented, incomplete, or deliberately obscured. These documents may be located across multiple locations and countries.
Reconciling conflicting narratives: Different accounts and perspectives exist regarding the events of 1947, necessitating meticulous cross-verification and analysis. This task requires objectivity and consideration of various perspectives and available evidence.
Dealing with the emotional toll on survivors and families: The incident caused tremendous pain and suffering, both to those directly impacted and to entire generations who feel the effect. The need to be sensitive and empathetic towards their pain and to avoid further trauma when handling these accounts is crucial.
Interviewer: What lasting impact has the 228 incident had on taiwanese society and it’s political growth?
Dr. Lin: The 228 Incident left a deep and lasting scar on Taiwanese society, shaping its political landscape and identity profoundly:
Rise of democratization: The tragedy created a sustained national resolve in the pursuit of democratic ideals and self-governance.
National identity: It’s a formative experience that solidifies Taiwanese identity, including their commitment to justice, memory, and reconciliation.
Social memory and trauma: The pain and trauma of the incident influenced multiple generations, highlighting the critical need for preserving collective memory and acknowledging past injustice for future generations.
Interviewer: What steps can Taiwan take to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again?
Dr. lin: To prevent the recurrence of a tragedy like the 228 Incident, the following steps are essential:
Strengthening democratic institutions: This involves actively promoting clarity, empowering civil society, protecting human rights, ensuring a free press, and upholding the rule of law.
Promoting historical understanding: This includes thorough investigation of the complete truth, appropriate education for younger generations about this incident, and the establishment of effective mechanisms for public discussion and engagement with historical memory.
* Fostering social justice and reconciliation: This requires actively working to address social and economic inequalities, fostering inclusive dialog, and promoting empathy and mutual respect between different groups.
Concluding Thoughts:
The 228 Incident stands as a stark reminder of the horrors of unchecked state power, the importance of remembering the past, and the critical role of truth and reconciliation in fostering lasting peace and social justice. As Taiwan continues to confront this challenging aspect of its history, the pathway it undertakes offers important lessons for nations around the world grappling with similar issues. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this critical piece of Taiwanese history and its global implications.Let’s continue this vital conversation in the comments below.