Teacher from Taiwan condemns removal of national hero from textbooks

A high school teacher from Taiwan has condemned the removal of Chinese national hero Wen Tianxiang from textbooks in Taiwan, warning that it could undermine students' national identity.

Wen, a national hero and scholar-general living in the turbulent final years of China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), is remembered for his patriotism and unwavering conviction.

He wrote the famous poem "Sailing on Lonely Ocean" after being captured in resisting the invasion of the Mongol forces.

At a memorial hall of Wen in Shenzhen City, south China's Guangdong Province, Ou Kuei-chih, the high school teacher, highlighted the enduring patriotic spirit of Wen.

"The background was that Wen Tianxiang was captured by the Mongols. A Mongol general forced him to write a surrender letter. However, Wen picked up an ink brush and wrote the poem 'Sailing on Lonely Ocean'. Its final two lines became immortal - Since olden days there's never been a man but dies; I'd leave a loyalist's name in history only'. Death holds no fear, but its weight differs - some death is as light as a feather, but some is as heavy as Mount Tai. For Wen Tianxiang, he chose the latter. Though he died, his loyalty to his nation and country has shone eternally through time, inspiring generations to strive for their country's future and rise," said Ou.

Ou expressed anger at the removal of Wen and other Chinese moral exemplars from textbooks by Taiwan authorities, warning this is a long-planned conspiracy and erodes national identity, particularly among youth.

"To be honest, I believe that was the beginning of a conspiracy. Because (the example of ) Wen Tianxiang was removed, that sense of national identity was weakened. Without Wen Tianxiang, there is no longer a role model of someone willing to sacrifice and fight for their nation. Young people would have to face lower moral standards, or maybe they don't have a standard to look up to at all. Now it's all about what feels good to me, what I want, whether I'm happy or not. Have we all become creatures of sensation, only chasing pleasure and fun? but those pleasures of the senses are short-lived," she said.  

Teacher from Taiwan condemns removal of national hero from textbooks

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Released during the 2025 summer season, the film "Nobody" became China's highest-grossing two-dimensional animated film -- and its success went beyond theaters.

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