“Naturally Pro-Independence” Is So Fragile After All

 “Naturally Pro-Independence” Is So Fragile After All

China Times Editorial (Taipei, Taiwan)

March 22, 2018

 Translation of an Excerpt

Green has been in full control of the government for nearly two years; under the operation of all-encompassing “de-Sinicization,” the wave of Taiwan independence has reached its crest. The strength of the pro-independence political faction should have expanded; however, the latest polls show that those who support independence not only failed to rise, but has continued to decline. According to data just released a few days ago by the pro-Green Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation, the ratio of those who support Taiwan independence has dropped from 51% when President Tsai took office to 38% at present, an estimated decrease of 3 million people, among whom the younger generation constitute not a low proportion. This survey’s findings not only debunked the myth of the Sunflower Movement, but also subverted the incredulous narrative of the so-called "naturally pro-independence."

Looking back at the two years after the change in ruling parties, the DPP not only secured the absolute superiority in guiding the Executive and Legislative Branches, it has done its utmost in the control of the pulpit. What can be changed in the textbook guidelines has been changed; whatever media outlets can be absorbed have been absorbed; it has never relented in oppressing those who dare to disobey. The president-elect of National Taiwan University is not one of its own, hence, he has been blocked from assuming office; poet Yu Kwang-chung, who was not a man of letters identified as its own, did not even receive a Presidential citation when he passed away. As to those indicted in the Sunflower Movement, all have been acquitted. Add to this the all-out collapse of the opposition camp, the DPP has not only secured absolute superiority in political hegemony, it has also climbed on the historical high ground in cultural hegemony. This overwhelming, all-comprehensive control led to the decline in the momentum of Taiwan independence in return. How could people not feel curious?

After the Mainland’s announcement of the 31 preferential measures for Taiwan, the poll immediately conducted by the news magazine Global Views was even more startling. The younger generation (18 to 29 years old), which had supported the DPP the most in the past, represents the highest proportion (40.8%) who believe that the Mainland’s attitude toward Taiwan is friendly; those who are willing to go to the Mainland for studies or career employment represent nearly 60% (59.6%), also the highest. In addition, 66.7% of young people believe that the 31 preferential measures for Taiwan help to stabilize cross-Strait relations; in contrast, 71.3% feel no confidence in the capacity of the government to cope with the changes.

This data was obtained from a rather objective survey, but what does it reveal? The most direct fact is, the so-called "naturally pro-independence" which has been deliberately fabricated over the past few years and talked about with elation by the authorities, is so fragile that it cannot withstand testing after all! If the effect of the 31 preferential measures for Taiwan continues to expand and the scope of young people’s movement further enlarges, whoever again mentions the so-called "naturally pro-independence" would become a laughingstock. Of course, the “Sunflower” myth, meticulously fabricated four years ago, need not even be brought up!

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