Beijing Outraged by Taiwan Leader's Tribute to Japanese Engineer

Beijing has reacted with strong condemnation to Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te's recent tribute to Yoichi Hatta, a Japanese engineer instrumental in developing Taiwan's infrastructure during the colonial period. Lai's attendance at a memorial service on May 8, commemorating the 84th anniversary of Hatta's death, and his subsequent praise for the engineer's contributions, have been met with fury from the mainland.

Hatta, who lived in Taiwan from 1910 to 1942, is credited with designing vital projects like the Chianan Canal and Wushantou Reservoir. Lai highlighted Hatta's role in strengthening the relationship between Taiwan and Japan, invoking the principle of "remembering the source of the water" – a phrase that resonates with the island's historical ties.

However, from Beijing's perspective, this act is seen as a provocative endorsement of Taiwan's Japanese colonial past. The Chinese government views any move that strengthens ties between Taiwan and Japan, particularly one that celebrates figures from the colonial era, as a challenge to its sovereignty claims over the island. This incident underscores the deep historical sensitivities and ongoing political tensions between China and Taiwan, with Beijing interpreting such gestures as attempts to erode its influence and historical narrative.

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the “core value” of the engineering achievement was that it strengthened the deep bond between Taiwan and Japan, Lai said, adding that people in Taiwan had upheld the principle of “remembering the source of the water”.