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The Council of Indigenous Peoples Makes a Severe Statement: The Indigenous Peoples in Taiwan Are Definitely Not the Descendants of Yan and Huang; The Council Rejects the United Front Work and Tools

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  • Online Date:2025/07/04
  • Modification Time:2025/06/03 08:52:01
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Recently, it has been reported that former KMT legislator Kong Wen-ji led a group to China to participate in the cultural event "The Colorful Yunnan Invites to Meet in Taiwan." The venue features slogan decorations such as “Same Clan, Same Ancestors, All Chinese Souls; Both Sides of the Strait Are One Family, Heart to Heart," which has raised strong doubts among the public and relevant scholars. The Council of Indigenous Peoples issued a strong statement today (on the 9th): Taiwan’s indigenous peoples belong to the Austronesian Linguistic Family and are certainly not the descendants of Yan and Huang, nor do they belong to the so-called "Chinese." Furthermore, they are absolutely not a minority group that is intentionally defined by the Chinese government. The identity and culture of the indigenous peoples are independent characteristics of their own, and any forms of political manipulation or united front tools are not acceptable.

According to archaeological and linguistic research, Taiwan's indigenous peoples and the Austronesian Linguistic Family share profound historical and cultural connections. They do not belong to Sino-Tibetan ethnic groups and have no ties to the “same clans, same ancestors” claimed by China. The Council of Indigenous Peoples emphasizes that indigenous peoples are not a political tool. All communications should be based on dignity and equality rather than the imposition of a specific political narrative.

The Council of Indigenous Peoples states that the identity of Taiwan's indigenous peoples not only reflects their roots to the land but also symbolizes the values of democracy, multiculturalism, and ethnic equality. We respect the cultural exchanges between the indigenous peoples on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, grounded in the principle of reciprocity. However, any individuals or groups that pander to the political manipulation of the Chinese government and become tools of the united front, adversely affecting the subjectivity and international image of Taiwan's indigenous peoples, will be condemned. The Council strongly urges those who visit China and participate in exchange activities to remain vigilant to ensure they are not used by the Chinese government to undermine Taiwan's democracy and the dignity of indigenous peoples.