Taiwan, renowned for its exceptional handpicked teas and technological advancements in microchips, is facing a complex question: Is it a part of China? The answer to this question is highly disputed. China’s President, Xi Jinping, insists that Taiwan is part of China and even threatens military intervention. China has conducted military exercises near Taiwan that resemble invasion rehearsals.
However, millions of Taiwanese people perceive their island as an already fully-formed nation. This difference in opinion goes back a century to the civil war in mainland China. The Communists emerged victorious in 1949, leading to the nationalists, led by Chiang Kai-shek, fleeing to Taiwan. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei stands as a testament to this history, commemorating the establishment of a government in opposition to Communist China.
Despite these historical tensions, Taiwan has blossomed into a lively open society. Its capital, Taipei, boasts a bustling food market where locals express their belief in Taiwan’s independence. The Taiwanese people highlight their military, economic system, currency, and unique policies as evidence of their sovereignty. Young Taiwanese, in particular, have only experienced life in a vibrant and politicized liberal democracy.
Taiwan’s liberalism extends to being Asia’s first country to legalize same-sex marriage. The country is also known for having Audrey Tang, Asia’s first transgender Cabinet member and digital minister. Tang, a software engineer, and a celebrity, is committed to safeguarding Taiwan’s internet from cyberattacks by China.
Despite the looming threat from China, daily life in Taiwan continues without much disruption. Commuters rush to work in Taipei, while cycling enthusiasts enjoy the city’s bike-friendly environment. Amidst it all, there is a prevailing hope that war can be avoided, and cooler heads will prevail. Skillful diplomacy is seen as a crucial element in maintaining peace and finding a way for Taiwan to coexist without provoking China.
Not far from Taipei lies Kinmen, an outlying island where China and Taiwan engaged in shellfire until 1979. Kinmen’s proximity to China may lead some to believe it is essentially part of China, but the islanders firmly embrace their democracy and reject communism.
Although some Taiwanese, like Yu Fong Wang, feel a stronger connection to Chinese identity, many others, such as Yorke Wu, admire Chinese culture while rejecting its government’s control. The recent moves by China, including military exercises and intimidating videos, have clearly conveyed their explicit threat to Taiwan. However, President Biden has suggested that the U.S. would assist Taiwan in the event of invasion, and the U.S. is already selling weapons to Taiwan’s military.
Despite Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities, it acknowledges that it is no match for China’s military might. Retired Major General Richard Hu believes that it would be better for Taiwan to negotiate autonomy within a united China, but this proposition seems unlikely given China’s desire for complete control.
Hope lingers among the Taiwanese people, especially within the main Kuomintang political party. However, the younger generation, witnessing the crushing of Hong Kong’s autonomy movement, fears the same fate for Taiwan. They pray that Taiwan’s democratic dream will endure.
In conclusion, Taiwan stands at a crossroads, torn between its desire for independence and the pressure exerted by China. The island’s richness in culture, technology, and liberal democracy makes it a unique nation in its own right. The resolution to this complex issue lies in finding a delicate balance through skillful diplomacy and peaceful coexistence. The world watches with bated breath as Taiwan’s future unfolds.
Editor: Randy Schmidt | Written by Elizabeth Palmer, CBS News correspondent since August 2000, currently based in London.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
