Former KMT leader stresses importance of ancient text preservation

Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Kuomintang, emphasized the significance of ancient text preservation in inheriting Chinese culture, as he led a Taiwan youth delegation visiting the China National Archives of Publications and Culture's Xi'an Branch Archives on Saturday.

During the visit, they explored the world's first encyclopedia, the Yongle Dadian, an encyclopedia completed in 1408 after being commissioned by Emperor Yongle during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and other significant cultural relics including the Siku Quanshu (Complete Library of the Four Treasures).

In a group interview, Ma expressed his deep emotions from the visit, highlighting that Chinese civilization is the only ancient civilization in the world without interruption.

"We, the descendants, can still read the texts written thousands of years ago," he said.

He praised the CNAPC for its indispensable contribution to preserving these ancient texts, thus ensuring the continuous dissemination of Chinese civilization.

Ma noted that in Taiwan, there's a significant emphasis on Chinese culture and classical texts, a cultural depth deeply ingrained in the hearts of most people in the island.

"The Chinese culture, having lasted for five thousand years, has transcended geographical limitations and belongs to the common heritage of all humanity," he said.

The former Kuomintang leader also expressed hope that "the wisdom of Chinese ancient texts, like a bright lamp through the long river of history, continues to illuminate the future of the Chinese nation".

When Ma read the Records of the Imperial Title-conferring Envoys to Ryukyu (Shi Liu Qiu Lu) written in 1534 by Chen Kan, an imperial title-conferring envoy from the Ming administration, he said that ancient text has proved that the "Diaoyu Islands do not belong to Ryukyu".

Wan Bing-han, a member of the Taiwan youth delegation, was particularly impressed by the Siku Quanshu displayed in the hall of the archive, describing it as "a spectacular sight".

In addition, on Saturday, Ma and the 20 Taiwan youths visited an exhibition on the Silk Road, the Terracotta Army, the ancient city wall of Xi'an, and other historical sites.

"I was touched deeply. We have seen exhibitions tracing from the Tang Dynasty to the present, and understood the significance of the Silk Road and economic development."

Hsu Chia-yun, another delegation member, said she found the Xi'an city wall particularly intriguing.

"I felt transported back to ancient time while overlooking the entire moat from atop the wall."