Lian Heng/Lien Heng (Chinese: 連橫; pinyin: Lián Héng; Wade–Giles: Lien Hêng; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Liân Hêng; 1878–1936) was a Taiwanese historian, politician, poet, merchant, editor of a pro-Japanese newspaper, and advocate of the opium trade in the island of Taiwan. He authored the General History of Taiwan [zh]. Some have claimed that he contributed to the creation and spread of a unified and strong Taiwanese cultural identity through his historical research and works of poetry. But as a journalist he was also a supporter of the Japanese, in particular their expansion of the opium trade into Taiwan. In this regard he worked in opposition to the Taiwanese People's Party and medical associations across Taiwan, as well as the New People Society in Tokyo. For this, he was ostracized by cultural circles and expelled by the Oak Tree Poetry Society, Taiwan's top poetry club. "Feeling that he had no footing among the Taiwanese people," Lien took his family and left for Shanghai. Lian is also known for being the grandfather of Lien Chan, former Chairman of the Kuomintang, and great-grandfather of Sean Lien, the Kuomintang candidate for mayor of Taipei in 2014.
Born |
17 February 1878 Tainan, Taiwan, China
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Died |
28 June 1936 (aged 58) Shanghai, Republic of China
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Zodiac | Aquarius |
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