Date: February 23, 2017
MAC Press Release No. 16
In regard to activities held by mainland China to commemorate the 228 Incident and related statements, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) today (February 23, 2017) said that the 228 Incident is an important historical event in which the people of Taiwan opposed authoritarianism and fought for their rights. It was also a catalyst that influenced Taiwan's transition to democracy and promoted social reconciliation. The Mainland authorities should impartially and objectively view historical facts, properly understood the nature of this incident, and realize the spirit and attitude of Taiwan in pragmatically facing historical truth, pursuing fairness and justice, and forgiving, while not forgetting.
The MAC stressed that, in its treatment of the historical truth of the 228 Incident, the government of the Republic of China (ROC) chose to courageously face the truth, deeply reflect, and take responsibility. Through apologies to the families of the victims, legislation for compensation, and the holding of various forms of commemoration, the government has restored the truth, learned its lesson, healed wounds, and established transitional justice on the basis of facts. It has converted the power of reconciliation into a power for national development and social progress. At a time when mainland China faces internal demands, these invaluable experiences can serve as share values and a direction to work towards.
The MAC stated that the ROC is a sovereign state. Since May 20 last year, the ROC government has remained committed to promoting the peaceful and stable development of cross-Strait relations. It believes that the development of positive cross-Strait interactions is a mutual responsibility of the two sides and that exchange, interaction, communication and negotiations are necessary to resolve differences and advance mutual understanding and awareness. Today, there is no need for mainland China to make an overly political reading of any historical event. Rather, the Mainland should treat history as a teacher. No government should abuse state violence in dealing with popular grievance. Governments should avoid rending society and creating opposition in order to fully protect the interests and welfare of the people.