Key facts
- Taiwan's government urged citizens to avoid China's Sun Yat-sen anniversary events.
- China plans to commemorate the 160th birthday of Sun Yat-sen on November 12.
- Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council accused China of using commemorations to promote unification narratives.
- Sun Yat-sen founded the Republic of China, which fled to Taiwan in 1949.
Taiwan's government has instructed its citizens to boycott events in mainland China next month that commemorate the birth anniversary of Sun Yat-sen, a historical figure recognized by both sides. China announced plans for November 12 to mark the 160th birthday of Sun, who founded the Republic of China before it relocated to Taiwan. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council criticized Beijing's interpretation of Sun's legacy, stating it distorts historical facts to promote narratives of 'opposing Taiwan independence and promoting unification.' The council urged people not to attend these events, viewing them as a tool for Beijing's political agenda. In 2016, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized Sun's opposition to splitting the country and the duty of reunification. While Taiwan officially regards Sun as the 'father of the nation,' its current administration under President Lai Ching-te emphasizes Taiwan's distinct identity, leading to increased friction with Beijing.