Events honor role of first provincial governor in modernizing Taiwan

Representatives from Taiwan and the mainland gathered in Beijing on Tuesday to commemorate Liu Mingchuan, Taiwan's first provincial governor during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), with speakers highlighting how his life demonstrated that Taiwan's destiny is closely bound to the Chinese mainland.

Yu Shu-chin, president of the Association of World Peace Promotion in Taiwan, said despite current challenges in cross-Strait relations, separatist forces advocating for "Taiwan independence "are destined to fail. She urged the people of Taiwan to acknowledge the historical trend and remember history.

This year marks the 140th anniversary of Taiwan's establishment as a province of China. To commemorate Liu's appointment as Taiwan's first provincial governor, a cross-Strait exchange event and a calligraphy and painting exhibition were held at the Taiwan Guild Hall in Beijing on Tuesday.

In October 1885, the Qing Dynasty government formally elevated Taiwan to provincial status and appointed Liu, who had led local forces in repelling the French invaders in Taiwan during the Sino-French War (1883-85), as the island's first governor.

Yang Yizhou, vice-chairman of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, said that establishing Taiwan as a province formally designated it as a provincial-level administrative unit of China. "It institutionally reinforced Taiwan's status as an inseparable part of Chinese territory," Yang added.

"One hundred and forty years later, the only designation for Taiwan in official United Nations documents remains 'Taiwan, Province of China'," he noted, calling it a clear reflection of present reality.

Reflecting on Liu's contributions, Yang said, "Liu guided Taiwan's transition from a traditional society to a modern one, enabling it to become the most progressive province in the late Qing Dynasty." During his six-year tenure, Liu introduced railway systems and telegraph to the island and advanced its socio-economic development, earning him the title of "father of Taiwan's modernization".

Lin Kuo-hwa, chairman of the Taiwan Progressive Party, described Liu as an outstanding governor who laid the foundation for Taiwan's infrastructure development.

Today, many places in Taiwan bear his name, including Ming Chuan University, Taipei Municipal Mingchuan Elementary School in Taipei, and the Liu Ming-Chuan Tunnel in Keelung. "These are cultural symbols shared by the mainland and Taiwan," Yu said, recalling her visit to Liu's former residence in Anhui province.

Yu expressed regret that after the Democratic Progressive Party authorities revised Taiwan's curriculum guidelines, many historical facts were obscured, making it harder for young people in Taiwan to learn about this history.

"We have the responsibility to inherit and promote Liu's spirit and ensure that more young people understand Chinese history," Yu said.

Yang added that regardless of how the DPP authorities manipulate the situation, "they cannot erase the Chinese national identity ingrained in the bloodline of Taiwan compatriots".

Liu Xuexuan, president of the Liu Mingchuan Research Association in Anhui and Liu Mingchuan's descendant, expressed hope that more people would learn about Liu Mingchuan's achievements and noble spirit, and that the event would help build a bridge of understanding across the Taiwan Strait.

The accompanying calligraphy and painting exhibition features over 100 works by 91 artists from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, portraying Liu Mingchuan's life and character.