These are pictures taken prior to 1946 of Taiwanese soldier and future President of the Republic of China, Lee Teng-hui, during the Japanese colonization of Taiwan. As a pro-Japanese political figure in Taiwan, Lee Teng-hui is an example of the effect that Japanese education policies had on the Taiwanese. Lee was a second lieutenant of the Japanese Imperial Army and has spoken favorably of the Japanese colonization of Taiwan throughout his life. He has consistently supported Japanese sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands despite the ROC's claims to the land.
Lee Teng-hui represents the older Taiwanese generation, which was significantly influenced by Japanese occupation. Besides being affected by Japanese education, Taiwanese soldiers were recruited for the Japanese Imperial Army. Taiwan participated in the Second World War in alliance with the Axis Powers. The Taiwanese were used as translators earlier in the war for the Japanese and later fought in China, which Taiwan previously was part of.
Questions:
1. What does Lee Teng-hui's pro-Japanese attitude reflect about the view in Taiwan of the Japanese occupation?
2. Should Lee Teng-hui be considered a traitor?
For collaborating with the Japanese during colonization?
For supporting the Japanese claim over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands?
Lee Teng-hui represents the older Taiwanese generation, which was significantly influenced by Japanese occupation. Besides being affected by Japanese education, Taiwanese soldiers were recruited for the Japanese Imperial Army. Taiwan participated in the Second World War in alliance with the Axis Powers. The Taiwanese were used as translators earlier in the war for the Japanese and later fought in China, which Taiwan previously was part of.
Questions:
1. What does Lee Teng-hui's pro-Japanese attitude reflect about the view in Taiwan of the Japanese occupation?
2. Should Lee Teng-hui be considered a traitor?
For collaborating with the Japanese during colonization?
For supporting the Japanese claim over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands?