TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) welcomed members of the 2025 overseas 228 Incident descendants' delegation at Office of the President on Monday (Feb. 24), promising the government will continue to pursue justice and truth. He emphasized the importance of unity in protecting national security and defending Taiwan's sovereignty, ensuring such incidents never recur.
During the meeting, Lai noted the 228 Incident, now 78 years past, left a lasting generational trauma in Taiwan. He acknowledged the significant loss caused by the disappearance of social elites, including Taiwan's first prosecutor during Taiwan under Japanese rule, Wang Yu-lin (王育霖), and other notable figures such as medical doctor Shih Chiang-nan (施江南) and art pioneer Chen Cheng-po (陳澄波).
Mentioning the victims, Lai expressed a formal apology on behalf of the government and outlined remedial measures like apologies, compensation, truth-seeking, and the establishment of memorials. He reiterated the government's commitment to justice and truth, emphasizing the need to differentiate between democracy and authoritarianism while protecting freedom.
Further more, President Lai asserted Taiwan's sovereignty must remain inviolate, with its future determined by its 23 million people. He called for unity among all Taiwanese, regardless of origin or ethnicity, to safeguard democracy, freedom, and human rights. He expressed hope for Taiwan's continued prosperity and stability for future generations.
