Beijing has expressed strong disapproval of Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te's decision to honor Yoichi Hatta, a Japanese engineer from the colonial era. A commentary in the People's Daily criticized Lai for 'forgetting his ancestors' and seeking favor with Japan. Lai had attended a memorial service for Hatta, who was instrumental in building irrigation infrastructure like the Chianan Canal and Wushantou Reservoir during Taiwan's Japanese colonial period, praising his contributions and the bond between Taiwan and Japan. AI
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RANK_REASON The article discusses a political controversy and criticism between Beijing and Taiwan regarding historical figures, fitting the 'commentary' bucket.
