While researching the history of Taiwan Province recently, I suddenly realized that ancient Chinese explorers must have been incredibly “blind” (Mugan).
Ancient Chinese discovered the Penghu archipelago and established official government offices there. They received tribute from Japan and various small nations from all directions. They even led expeditions into the South China Sea and maintained frequent commercial ties with the Philippines for thousands of years.
Even in tiny Okinawa, one of the four major historical clans migrated there from Fujian (representing the first wave of skilled immigrants in Ryukyuan history).
Yet, despite dominating the Pacific, these ancient Chinese acted as if they completely missed the island of Taiwan. It was as if Taiwan had simply vanished from the historical record. If that isn’t being blind, what is?
This historical “blindness” allowed pro-independence figures to publish books like Taiwan’s 400 Years of History, intentionally framing it as a tearful tale of colonial persecution. This narrative misleads many into believing Taiwan only has 400 years of history, deliberately highlighting a pessimistic, island-centric mindset.
As a result, independence advocates worship this “400-year Bible,” fantasizing that they sprang from a stone like a monkey without roots. The island is filled with lies and traces of manipulation, all attempting to sever the connection to its historical origins.
While some might call South Koreans’ attempts to claim Chinese culture as their own “shameless,” it is a different story in Taiwan. Here, we inherit the orthodox Chinese civilization, yet a small faction of independence advocates—driven by personal desire—constantly tries to deny their own heritage and cultural lineage. That is a betrayal of loyalty, filial piety, and integrity.