Taiwan: 228 Incident commemoration events to take place islandwide Feb. 28

Event

Taiwan will commemorate the 76th anniversary of the 228 Incident Feb. 28. The day, known as Peace Memorial Day, is a public holiday, and official events to mark the incident will likely take place in cities across the island. Related celebrations are possible at 228 Peace Memorial Park and Ketagalan Boulevard in Taipei. Local governments may also hold commemorative events.

Rallies are possible in Taipei and other major cities across the island in the lead-up to and during the anniversary. In Taipei, activists plan to march from Nanjing West Road in Datong District beginning 09:00 Feb. 28; protesters intend to pass several landmarks in the city, including Tianma Tea House, the former Monopoly Bureau Taipei Branch, Taipei 228 Memorial, Taipei Broadcasting Station, and the Executive Yuan. Hundreds of people could participate in the action. Officials will implement road closures along the protest march route from 15:00 Feb. 27. Other probable gathering locations in Taipei include Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

Officials will almost certainly increase security around event venues and notable landmarks along the procession route, especially 228 Peace Memorial Park, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and Executive Yuan. Related events will likely cause localized traffic disruptions. Violence is unlikely, but more radical protesters could attempt to vandalize the statue and other monuments honoring former leader Chiang Kai-shek, which has the potential to trigger clashes between pro- and anti-Chiang supporters.

Context

Peace Memorial Day marks a crackdown by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) that started in Taipei Feb. 28, 1947, in response to an anti-government uprising that began the previous day. Tens of thousands of Taiwanese were arrested, imprisoned, or executed during the crackdown, known as the White Terror. Various investigations have indicated Chiang Kai-shek was responsible for the suppression, though he remains revered by many in Taiwan. Opponents argue that officials should remove monuments to the former leader across the island.

Advice

Allow additional time to reach destinations near the march route Feb. 28, especially the Executive Yuan. Exercise caution near the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and other landmarks honoring the leader due to the potential for vandalism. Immediately depart the area if clashes occur. Heed all instructions from security personnel.