New translation of historical book further connects Taiwan, Chinese mainland

A contemporary Chinese version of the "General History of Taiwan", a history book written in classical Chinese more than 100 years ago, launched on Tuesday in Beijing.

Over 100 representatives from both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan participated in the launch event held in the Taiwan Hall of the Great Hall of the People to introduce the translated and annotated version.

"General History of Taiwan", a work of Taiwan history in classical Chinese penned by historian Lien Heng in the 1910s, provides a comprehensive account of Taiwan's history from the Sui Dynasty (581- 618) to 1895. It presents substantial historical evidence supporting the notion that Taiwan is an integral part of China.

Starting from March 2021, on the occasion of the centenary of the book, a team of more than 20 experts and scholars from the mainland and Taiwan collaborated for nearly three years to translate the classical Chinese text into contemporary Chinese while providing annotations.

During the book launch, Zheng Jianbang, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, said that the new version is the result of joint efforts by scholars from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to promote the preservation and inheritance of Chinese culture.

Pan Xianzhang, deputy director of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said the publication of this book represents a significant move in the realm of historical and cultural discourse against "Taiwan independence".

It holds crucial significance in refuting the fallacies of "Taiwan independence" and in fostering a correct understanding of the historical origins and rightful belonging of Taiwan compatriots and the younger generation, he said.

Arlene Lien, a descendant of Lien Heng, said the Democratic Progressive Party's continuous promotion of "de-Sinicization" and "Taiwan independence" education poses significant harm, and the new version would make it more accessible for widespread dissemination.

Lien also read a congratulatory letter from her father Lien Chan, a former chairman of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang, in which he extended his congratulations on the publication of the new book.

In the letter, Lien Chan said that the book embodies the historical origins of cross-Strait cultural continuity, carrying a profound sentiment towards the writer's hometown, Taiwan and upholding a lifelong dedication to preserving the spirit of the Chinese nation.