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‘Retrocession’ misleads
The Taipei Times defined Retrocession Day as a day marking the end of Japanese
rule in Taiwan (Editorial, Oct. 29, page 8). You gave a good definition, but the
word “retrocession” itself is misleading when used for Taiwan.
According to Webster’s Dictionary, “retrocede” means “to go back or to cede back
[as a territory].”
This is the term that has been used by the Republic of China (ROC) since 1945
after the ROC “victory” over Japan. It wrongly implies that Taiwan was given or
ceded back to the ROC.
Every year on Oct. 25, the ROC government wants Taiwanese to celebrate
Retrocession Day for “returning to the motherland’s embrace.”
Historically and legally, Taiwan was ceded permanently to Japan in 1895 by the
Qing Empire in the Treaty of -Shimonoseki, and whose control was renounced by
Japan, without specifying the beneficiary, in the San Francisco Peace Treaty in
1951 and the Treaty of Taipei in 1952. The legal status of Taiwan is therefore
still undetermined.
The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) likes to twist history, misinterpret
treaties and misuse words to its advantage. Their claim of “victory” over Japan
and use of the word “retrocession” are typical examples of attempts to fool
Taiwanese. President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) has purposely made mistakes in citing
historical facts. His favorite topics are “one China” and the “1992 consensus.”
In a Japanese expression, these are all considered “horse-deer” talks — meaning
absurd words. It is unfortunate that Taiwan has a president who is dishonest
about history, rebellious to former presidents Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) and Chiang
Ching-kuo (蔣經國) and disloyal to all Taiwanese.
CHARLES HONG
Columbus, Ohio
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