Advertisement
Taiwan
ChinaPolitics

KMT accuses Taiwan government of erasing Chiang Kai-shek legacy after army hall renamed

While leadership says new Loyalty Hall name highlights army ethos, opposition accuses DPP of politicising military and rewriting history

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
6
Taiwan’s army has officially renamed the main auditorium of its headquarters. The island’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang, sees the move as an attempt by the DPP government to erase the legacy of late Kuomintang leader Chiang Kai-shek and the island’s historical ties to mainland China. Photo: Handout
Lawrence Chungin Taipei
Taiwan’s army has renamed the main auditorium of its headquarters in what is widely seen as another move by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government to erase the legacy of late Kuomintang leader Chiang Kai-shek and the island’s historical ties to mainland China.

The auditorium, known for decades as Chiang Kai-shek Hall, has been retitled Loyalty Hall, according to the Army Command Headquarters.

The change sparked uproar from opposition lawmakers, who accused the government of quietly removing Chiang’s name before the change was officially revealed recently.

Advertisement
In response, the command said the renaming was completed in July as part of a broader plan to “highlight the army’s ethos of loyalty and excellence”, coinciding with upgrades to facilities at its base in Taoyuan in northern Taiwan. It said the decision carried “no political intention”.

Trump downplays Taiwan dispute in China talks

Trump downplays Taiwan dispute in China talks

Addressing criticism that the move formed part of the DPP’s transitional justice campaign to “de-Chiang” military sites, army officials told local media that “the bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek at the entrance to the headquarters remains in place”. They added that Chiang held an important place in the history of Taiwan’s armed forces and in the development of the Republic of China (ROC), the island’s official title for itself.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x