Pingtan archaeologist debunks Lai's false narrative

In a recent political address dubbed the "Ten Talks on Unity," Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te claimed that Taiwan had "always possessed an independent ecosystem" and was the "origin of Austronesian culture." His remarks have sparked strong criticism from historians and archaeologists across the Taiwan Strait.

Fan Xuechun, director of the Pingtan International Austronesian Studies Institute, called Lai's claim "absurd and ignorant." Those animals lived on the mainland—mammoths in the cold climates of the northeast, and the milu deer living along the Huaihe River. These creatures, along with ancient humans, migrated south during the ice age, eventually reaching Taiwan region. "He has no understanding of paleogeography or ancient life," Fan added.