Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant decline in the recognition of "Chinese identity" among Taiwanese society, influenced by the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) media dominance, while younger generations are increasingly identifying as part of the Chinese nation due to historical context and improved cross-strait exchanges [1][9][10]. Group 1: Historical Context - The KMT's authoritarian rule in Taiwan during the 1940s and 1950s left two major historical scars: the "228 Incident" and the suppression of political dissent, leading to imprisonment or execution of political prisoners [2]. - The establishment of the "Taiwan Political Victims Mutual Aid Association" in 1987 by former political prisoners aimed to support each other and advocate for national unification, which has been viewed as a pro-unification organization [3][4]. Group 2: Recent Developments - The recent memorial event held on November 8 featured portraits of political victims, including notable figures like Wu Shi and Zhu Feng, which sparked significant reactions in Taiwan [4]. - New KMT chairperson Zheng Liwen's participation in the memorial, where she paid deep respects to the victims, has drawn mixed reactions from the public and political circles, with the DPP criticizing her actions [4][5]. Group 3: Public Sentiment and Identity - A poll indicated that prior to the DPP's governance in 2000, the majority of Taiwanese identified as "Chinese," but this has shifted dramatically, with only 10% identifying as "Chinese" today, while 90% identify as "Taiwanese" [8][9]. - Recent surveys show a resurgence in the recognition of being part of the Chinese nation, particularly among the younger demographic aged 20-29, with 70% identifying as part of the Chinese ethnic group, marking a significant change in sentiment over the past two decades [8][9]. Group 4: Implications of Zheng Liwen's Actions - Zheng Liwen's attendance at the memorial is seen as a challenge to the DPP's media dominance and a step towards reconciling historical narratives between the KMT and the CCP, promoting a peaceful future for the Chinese nation [6][11]. - The article posits that Zheng's declaration of "I am Chinese" symbolizes a broader movement against the DPP's narrative and aligns with the historical trend of increasing ethnic identity among Taiwanese youth [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - The recent memorial event for political victims in Taiwan has sparked significant reactions, particularly due to the participation of the new Kuomintang (KMT) chairperson, Zheng Liwen, and the inclusion of controversial figures' portraits, indicating a complex interplay of historical memory and current political dynamics [3][4]. Group 1: Historical Context - The Kuomintang regime in Taiwan during the 1940s and 1950s was marked by oppressive rule, leading to significant historical events such as the "228 Incident" and the suppression of political dissenters, resulting in many political prisoners [1][2]. - The "Taiwan Political Victims Mutual Aid Association" was established in 1987 by former political prisoners to support each other, reflecting ongoing struggles related to Taiwan's political history [2]. Group 2: Recent Memorial Event - The memorial held on November 8 featured portraits of political victims, including controversial figures like Wu Shi, which was unprecedented and drew public attention [3]. - Zheng Liwen's participation included a deep bow to the victims, which elicited mixed reactions from the public and political factions, highlighting divisions within the KMT and broader Taiwanese society [3][4]. Group 3: Political Implications - Zheng Liwen's attendance is interpreted as a gesture towards reconciliation with the mainland, aiming to foster peace and cooperation between the two sides, as noted in a commentary from Taiwan's "China Times" [5][6]. - The event also serves as a counter to the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) narrative, with rising sentiments of national identity among younger Taiwanese, suggesting a shift in public opinion regarding their identity as Chinese [7][8][9].