TAIPEI (TVBS News) — During a session at the Legislative Yuan's Education and Culture Committee on Wednesday (May 22), Culture Minister Li Yuan emphasized that any transformation of the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall should proceed with a national consensus. This statement comes amid ongoing debates over the memorial's role and representation in Taiwan's history.
Li's comments were in response to questions from Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Lin I-chin, who highlighted the presence of the Honor Guard of the Republic of China at the memorial and questioned when they might be withdrawn to further the work of transitional justice.
Li argued that the honor guard should not be used as a tool in political transitions and questioned whether their presence necessarily signifies authoritarianism, suggesting that opinions on this matter may vary.
The Culture Minister also reflected on the memorial's history, noting changes in its status and the presence of the honor guard under different administrations. He pointed out that the memorial's role has evolved, especially with the introduction of diverse historical exhibitions within its halls.
Li stressed the importance of not forcing changes upon the political landscape but rather building consensus gradually through cultural expressions like literature, music, and film that address the White Terror period.
He also highlighted the memorial's significance as a public leisure space, expressing a desire to avoid assigning specific meanings to particular buildings.
As Taiwan grapples with its historical narratives and the symbols that represent them, the debate over the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall's future underscores the complexities of reconciling with the past while moving forward. The Culture Ministry's approach suggests a cautious yet open-ended exploration of how spaces of memory can evolve in a democratic society.
