Hau refers to Taiwan as a ‘region’

A statue of lyricist Lee Lin-chiu is seen in Dadaocheng Park in Taipei City yesterday. Lee wrote the lyrics for many classic Taiwanese songs, including Wang Chunfeng, or “Watching the Spring Wind.”


By Mo Yan-chih
STAFF REPORTER
Sunday, Dec 20, 2009

Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin’s (郝龍斌) speech at a municipal event sparked protests from several pro-independence activists yesterday after he called Taiwan a “region.”

Hau’s comments came yesterday as he attended a ceremony at Dadaocheng commemorating late Taiwanese lyricist Lee Lin-chiu (李臨秋) that was organized by the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs.

“I am glad to attend the launch ceremony of the statue for Mr Lee Lin-chiu, the pioneer lyricist in the region of Taiwan,” Hau said.

Hau’s remarks sparked immediate protests from members of the Taiwan Society, who condemned the mayor for belittling Taiwan’s status.

“Taiwan is a nation, not a region! You have hurt our feelings by calling Taiwan a region,” Taiwan Society director Janice Chen (陳昭姿) and several members shouted at Hau as he left the ceremony.

Hau said he heard the protesters’ voices, but declined to make any further comment as he left the scene.

The department held the ceremony yesterday to commemorate Lee, who was one of the most important Taiwanese musicians under Japanese colonial rule along with composer Teng Yu-hsien (鄧雨賢) and lyricists Chen Chun-yu (陳君玉) and Chen Ta-ju (陳達儒).

The department unveiled a statue of Lee at Dadaocheng Park yesterday in honor of the lyricist, and will broadcast classic songs written by him including Watching the Spring Wind (望春風) at the park to introduce the songs to more people.

More activities to introduce Taiwanese folk songs will be organized next year at Dadaocheng, the department said.