Ye Mingchen (葉名琛) and Taiwan Politicians

Here is Chojiro's translation of Cheung Lap’s article published on 18 February 2009.

Ye Mingchen was Governor of Guangdong (廣東) and Guangxi (廣西) at the time of the Second Opium War. When the British army approached the city of Guangzhou (廣州), Ye asked for fortune from the mythical Taoist god Lǚ Dòngbīn (呂洞賓, also known as 呂祖) using the Fuji (扶乩) method. He was instructed to place on the wall of the city chamber pots, which could defend against the British cannons. There is no need to ask about the result, and this has become a big joke in contemporary history. People like Ye could be Governor of Guangdong and Guangxi. The Qing Dynasty was corrupt to the bone. Rather, the farmers from 108 villages in Sanyuanli (三元里) inflicted considerable losses on the British forces using primitive weapons.

Ye Mingchen was superstitious. He believed that “the Brits would withdraw in a hundred days.” In defense of Guangzhou, he proposed the “six nots”: “he would not fight, not make peace and not defend; he would not die, not capitulate and not run away.” The city of Guangzhou fell within hours.

Ye made me think of the politicians in Taiwan. The historical background and circumstances are different, but these people make me laugh all the same. Take Mr Bian. He did not declare independence for Taiwan when he was president and wielded power for eight years. However, he trumpets the concept of Taiwan independence when he is imprisoned and cannot even exit the front door. As an ordinary citizen, I really fail to understand. It is as if a person remains single while at home but wants to get married and have a child when he has shaved his head and become a monk. People will think you are crazy.

Also President Ma Yingjeou. When I read about Ye’s six nots, I immediately thought of Ma’s policy of “no unification, no independence and no war.” How similar.

When the British forces were outside the city and about to attack, there were only four choices: “fight, make peace, surrender or run.” There were no options such as “not fight, not make peace and not defend.” For today’s Taiwan, you either unify or separate. There is no middle way. As a political leader, if you don’t set the direction and only talk about a holding position, you are merely presiding over a side government, letting the days go by and be marginalized.

The fact Mr Bian grabbed money when he was president and publicized ideals when he became a prisoner shows that Taiwan independence is a “false agenda”.

Naturally, senior Qing official Ye Mingchen was defeated easily when he replaced defense with Fuji in front of a strong enemy. For Taiwan today, people in and out of government talk rubbish. When there is really a war, it could be like Ye Mingchen defending Guangzhou.