Taiwanese writer and political commentator Kenneth C. Fan (范疇), who died on Monday at the age of 68, should be recognized and admired because of his steadfast anti-communist stance. Fan committed himself to defending and advocating for Taiwan’s democracy.
Fan was born in Taiwan. A graduate of National Taiwan University, he majored in philosophy. He also studied in Singapore. Fan worked in China and the US. Few political commentators were as versatile and experienced as he was. His remarks were not only weighty, but also persuasive.
Fan traveled to many countries and had the opportunity to become a citizen of Singapore, China and the US. After being abroad for almost four decades, he returned to Taiwan, where his roots were. He saw himself as Taiwanese and believed that every citizen should contribute to the country, for there is no such thing as a free lunch.
His definition of Taiwanese was based on pragmatism. It was not about blood ties or emotional feelings. As long as a person holds an ID card and passport issued by the Republic of China in Taiwan and pays taxes to the government as a citizen, they can be “Taiwanese” regardless of when they arrived.
His analysis of the fall of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was based on its violent control and financial revenue. Fan reminded Taiwan and the international community of the serious consequences resulting from the CCP’s fall. He warned people that they should be extra careful and prepared for changes brought by China.
Fan once criticized the overly bureaucratic system of government in Taiwan. He described it as a coat from China, a coat ungainly and highly impractical and one that needed to be tailored to meet Taiwan’s needs.
He supported Taiwan decoupling itself from China. At the same time, he said that the will of Taiwanese should be strengthened and Taiwan’s democratic work should be enhanced.
Taiwanese should not expect too much from politicians, especially in terms of their moral standards, he said.
Throughout his life, Fan examined political developments based on scientific analysis and on an objective stance. His affection for and identification with Taiwan, as well as his open-minded democratic values, serve as a significant principle for Taiwan to move forward into a new era.
His passing is a great loss, but Fan set an example for later generations to follow.
Chen Chi-nung is a political commentator.
Translated by Emma Liu
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