"Free Lectures" in memory of Sun Yat-sen. Cultural affinity does not equal political affiliation.

The National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing recently exhibited a 100-meter scroll with Dr. Sun Yat-sen as the theme. The work added chapters such as "Morning Light across the Taiwan Strait" and was included in a series of activities commemorating the 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen's birth and the "Recovery of Taiwan." An art exhibition could have allowed the audience to look back on history, but when the imagery of the Taiwan Strait is juxtaposed with political commemoration, it is also worth asking: Is the painting depicting the past, or the cross-strait relations that we want people to accept today?

Dr. Sun Yat-sen promoted revolution and advocated republic. His thoughts not only involved the nation, but also included people's rights and people's livelihood and well-being. (File photo) Dr. Sun Yat-sen promoted revolution and advocated republic. His thoughts not only involved the nation, but also included people's rights and livelihoods. To commemorate his contribution, we can understand it from different perspectives such as overthrowing the monarchy, establishing a republic, and pursuing political reform. It is not a historical memory that any political party can monopolize. Artists have the freedom to interpret history, and audiences also have the right to propose different interpretations. The question is not whether one can paint Sun Yat-sen, but whether someone can make their own political answer the only answer he has left.

"Beijing Daily" specifically mentioned the Taiwan Strait chapter in the new work, as well as the commemorative activities to which the exhibition belongs. If we compare it with the official remarks of the Chinese Communist Party commemorating Sun Yat-sen during the same period, we can observe the way historical figures, cross-strait origins and contemporary unification advocates are put into the same narrative. The two sides of the Taiwan Strait do have intertwined history and culture. This is a fact that can be discussed. However, having a common history does not mean that there is only one political choice today; let alone commemorating the same figure, the systems, experiences and people's wishes of different societies cannot be omitted.

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If this kind of narrative is disseminated overseas through exhibitions, videos, and media, it may also affect how audiences who are unfamiliar with Taiwan's situation understand the two sides of the Taiwan Strait; a painting can easily make people remember a continuous historical story, but it may not explain the political ruptures and institutional differences within it. Cultural works can convey emotions and carry political opinions, but emotional closeness cannot be directly used as proof of political affiliation, and historical connections cannot make decisions for today's people. As for whether the exhibition truly affects international recognition, the scope of communication and audience response still need to be observed, and the effect cannot be determined solely based on the organizer's arrangements.

The Taiwanese people do not need to deny the history shared by both sides of the Taiwan Strait just because the "Chinese Communist Party" commemorates Sun Yat-sen, nor do they need to regard every cultural event as a united front. What is truly noteworthy is that some people push cultural memory all the way to political conclusions, turning "having a historical relationship" into "should accept specific arrangements." Faced with such claims, we should identify the sources, distinguish historical facts and claims, respect different historical identities, and be alert to the possibility that the "CCP" may use this to blur political boundaries and provoke social confrontation. We should continue to rationally supervise the government, pay attention to national defense policy, and military building and war preparations. Only in this way can we balance free choice and homeland security during open exchanges.

This year, the Communist Party of China expanded its activities to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat-sen in Beijing. (Reuters file photo) (The author is a professor)