Past undeniable proof of cross-Strait bonds

Taiwan leader twists historical facts in attempt to mislead island's inhabitants

Editor's note: The Taiwan question is a key focus for China and the international community. China Daily is publishing a series of reports to track hot Taiwan-related topics and address disinformation from the Democratic Progressive Party administration.

Archaeological evidence confirms a long history of human movement from the southeastern coast of the Chinese mainland to the island of Taiwan, dating back to prehistoric times when a shallow strait that was once land facilitated crossings tens of thousands of years ago.

Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's recent assertion that Taiwan has had an "independent ecological system" since ancient times and is the birthplace of Austronesian culture has been met with skepticism from historians, accusing him of attempting to sever the deep historical and cultural ties between the two sides of the Strait.