Former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Guoyu has reignited a political debate by advocating for the return of the “Republic of China” emblem to National Day celebrations, sparking a backlash from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Han’s proposal, made during a public appearance on Saturday, has been criticized by Green Camp lawmakers who argue that it undermines Taiwan’s unique identity and erases key elements that reflect the island’s modern-day reality.
Han, a prominent figure in the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), called for the restoration of the “Republic of China” imagery—such as the blue sky, white sun, and red field flag—as central elements in National Day festivities. “The Republic of China is the nation we live in, and its symbols should be proudly displayed on our most important day,” Han stated. He argued that these symbols represent the continuity of Taiwan’s history and are crucial to maintaining national unity.
The proposal was swiftly condemned by members of the DPP and other pro-independence lawmakers. Green Camp legislators accused Han of attempting to impose an outdated and China-centric identity on Taiwan’s increasingly diverse society. “The Republic of China imagery is rooted in a historical narrative that does not fully represent the identity and aspirations of the Taiwanese people today,” said a DPP spokesperson.
Critics argue that Han’s push for the “Republic of China” emblem is a step backward, one that disregards Taiwan’s evolving national identity and the need to reflect the island’s present-day values in official celebrations. The debate underscores the deep-seated divisions in Taiwanese society over national identity and the island’s relationship with China, as the DPP continues to promote a more distinctly Taiwanese narrative on the global stage.