Thursday marks the 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen's birth, a visionary leader whose dedication to the nation and its people remains a source of inspiration. Sun was a patriot who never wavered in his commitment to China's revitalization. His call to "revitalize the Chinese nation" showed the way toward national prosperity and rejuvenation. For over a century, it has inspired generations of Chinese people to build a stronger nation and rejuvenate China.
Sun played a pivotal role in China's democratic revolution, overthrowing the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and ending more than 2,000 years of imperial rule and setting the country on a path toward modernization and global engagement. His vision of democratic reform and modernization, coupled with his aspiration of a harmonious world, forms a shared historical memory for people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. His revolutionary spirit and unwavering devotion to the nation continue to inspire efforts toward China's reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Sun had deep historical ties with Taiwan and cared about the people there. When Taiwan was ceded to Japan after China's defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War in 1895, the loss deeply wounded the Chinese people.
But it also strengthened Sun's resolve to pursue democratic revolution. He viewed Taiwan as a strategic base for advancing the democratic revolution on the mainland. Many patriotic Taiwan compatriots joined and supported his revolutionary cause, and some — such as Chiu Feng-chia — became heroes in the struggle for national liberation.
In 1924, at the invitation of Feng Yuxiang, Sun traveled to Beijing to foster the unification of northern and southern China. He was warmly welcomed by 100,000 people from all walks of life, including students from Taiwan at Peking University.
After his death in Beijing on March 12,1925, these students honored him with a memorial couplet that read: "Three million awakened compatriots in Taiwan — who but you could lead us? The unfinished cause of our motherland of 40 years — who but us will carry it forward?" The words expressed the determination of young people of Taiwan to devote themselves to national reunification and rejuvenation. They also stand as a testament to the deep affection and respect Taiwan people held for Sun.
Following the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), Taiwan was restored to China. The restoration reinforced Sun's ideas and revolutionary spirit among Taiwan residents. His legacy remains a vital part of the shared historical memory of people on both sides of the Strait, embodying the ideals of national rejuvenation, reunification and modernization.
These ideals offer a common ground for dialogues and cooperation, transcending political differences. Despite external interference delaying political reunification, the legal and historical fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China remains unchanged. China's territory and sovereignty have not been divided.
Sun famously said: "Reunification is the hope of the entire Chinese people. If China is reunified, the whole nation will enjoy prosperity; if it is not, the people will suffer." These words continue to guide people on both sides of the Strait as they work toward reunification.
Today's world is characterized by rapid technological advancements and shifting global dynamics. In the face of such profound changes and unprecedented challenges, the best way to honor Sun's legacy is for people on both sides of the Strait to stand together and respond collectively.
Cooperation and mutual understanding can help people on both sides to navigate these changes, drawing on the wisdom of the Chinese nation to seize opportunities and face challenges.
Over the past eight decades, people on both sides of the Strait have made remarkable achievements that have impressed the world. Since the late 1970s, Taiwan has developed into one of the Four Asian Tigers, and its semiconductor industry has gained global prominence.
Meanwhile, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the mainland has undergone a phenomenal transformation, achieving remarkable success in economic growth, social development and technological advancements.
These achievements highlight the strengths and potential of the Chinese people on both sides of the Strait.
By remembering Sun together, the joint efforts of people on both sides also help advance China's complete reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
The author is dean of the Taiwan Research Institute at Beijing Union University.
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
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