Taiwan Flashcards
What are the 10 most prominent points from the reading “Taiwan in 2021: The Looming China Threat” by T.Y. Wang ?
- Tensions in Cross-Strait Relations: Refers to the strained relationship between Taiwan and China, especially since Tsai took office in 2016. It involves increased military pressure from China, which has escalated in 2021.
- Military Pressure from China: China has increased its military activities near Taiwan, including flights into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone. This has raised concerns about the potential for armed conflict.
- Potential for War Involving the United States: The increased military pressure from China on Taiwan has raised speculation that a conflict could involve the United States due to its strong support for Taiwan.
- Chinese Government’s Intentions: China’s actions, such as military incursions, are seen as attempts to intimidate the Tsai administration and express displeasure with U.S. support for Taiwan. They also serve to probe Taiwan’s defense capabilities.
- Public Perception in Taiwan: Despite the military threats, the public in Taiwan is accustomed to living under the constant shadow of Chinese military pressure. There is a sense of resilience and a willingness to defend their way of life.
- COVID-19 Response in Taiwan: Taiwan initially had success in managing COVID-19 but faced an outbreak in May 2021. The government implemented measures, including a partial lockdown, to control the spread.
- Vaccination Challenges: Taiwan initially faced vaccine hesitancy, partly due to a low sense of urgency. The late procurement of vaccines and concerns over side effects further contributed to the challenge.
- Economic Strength and Semiconductor Industry: Taiwan’s economy, particularly driven by its semiconductor industry, remained strong in 2021. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) played a significant role in global semiconductor production.
- Kuomintang (KMT) Leadership Change: Eric Chu, a former KMT chairman, was elected as the new leader in September 2021. The KMT faces challenges in maintaining party unity and presenting a viable cross-Strait policy.
- U.S.-Taiwan Relations: The U.S. has continued to show strong support for Taiwan, with actions such as easing restrictions on official contacts and approving arms sales. The Biden administration also emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
What are the 10 most prominent points from “Taiwan in 2022: An Eventful Year” by T.Y. Wang ?
- Fourth Taiwan Strait Crisis: Refers to the heightened tensions and military exercises around Taiwan in 2022, characterized by some as a crisis akin to previous Taiwan Strait Crises.
- US Security Pledges to Taiwan: President Biden made two security commitments to Taiwan, reaffirming similar statements made in 2021, indicating US support for Taiwan’s security.
- Cross-Strait Tensions Escalation: Describes the increased military pressure on Taiwan by China, including repeated deployments of military aircraft and exercises near the island.
- Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine and Taiwan: Draws a parallel between Ukraine and Taiwan, both strategically important regions with ethnic and cultural ties to powerful neighbors (Russia and China, respectively).
- Speaker Pelosi’s Visit to Taiwan: Speaker Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, seen as a significant show of support, which led to strong reactions from Beijing.
- Beijing’s Retaliation Measures: China’s response to Pelosi’s visit, including bans on Taiwanese food exports, declaration of restricted zones near Taiwan, and military drills.
- Taiwan’s Local Elections (Nine-in-One Elections): Describes the local elections held in Taiwan in November, which included various categories of local offices and a referendum on a constitutional amendment.
- COVID-19 and Taiwan’s Response: Explains Taiwan’s shift in COVID-19 policy from eradication to mitigation in response to the Omicron variant, contrasting it with China’s approach.
- Taiwan’s Economy in 2022: Discusses the impact of global inflation, rising interest rates, and Beijing’s COVID-19 policy on Taiwan’s economy, including its performance in the semiconductor industry.
- US-Taiwan Relations and Biden’s Security Pledges: Highlights the close relationship between the US and Taiwan, with President Biden’s explicit security commitments to Taiwan in the face of China’s increasing assertiveness.
What are the 10 most important concepts to retain from “Taiwan” by Shelley Rigger ?
- The “Click Click Click” craze in Taiwan highlights the desire for international recognition in Taiwanese society. This event, which involved young people in Taiwan clicking a button on a website to represent their country, showcases the power of fads and the technical proficiency of Taiwanese youth.
- Taiwan’s unique international position and its complex relationships with major world powers make it an important geostrategic player. Despite its small size, Taiwan has a significant economic influence and is a culturally Chinese society that transitioned from colonization and authoritarianism to establish a free-wheeling liberal democracy.
- The historical background of Taiwan’s colonization and control by different foreign powers, including indigenous Austronesian-speaking settlers, Chinese migrants, Dutch traders, Spanish colonists, and Japanese colonial rule. This history, including events like the 2-28 Incident, shaped Taiwan’s political landscape and its ongoing quest for recognition on the international stage.
- KMT Rule in Taiwan (1950-1980): During its peak period from roughly 1950 to 1980, the Kuomintang (KMT) rule in Taiwan was characterized by a unique blend of authoritarianism, rapid economic development, and popular mobilization. The KMT, while based in Taiwan, claimed legitimacy based on democratic ideals, even though it implemented martial law and suspended the constitution to maintain control.
- Transition to Democracy: The transition to democracy in Taiwan began in the mid-1970s under the leadership of Chiang Ching-kuo, who initiated controlled reforms to rebuild the KMT’s legitimacy. This process led to the emergence of opposition parties, including the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and the eventual establishment of a fully functioning liberal democracy with civil liberties and competitive elections.
- Taiwan’s Complex Relationship with Mainland China: Taiwan’s status and relationship with mainland China is a central issue in its politics. While Taiwan has all the attributes of a state, including a government, population, territory, and military, it lacks international recognition due to China’s insistence that Taiwan is a province of China. The majority of Taiwanese prefer to maintain the status quo, enjoying de facto independence while avoiding the risks associated with declaring de jure independence.
- The 2016 presidential election in Taiwan marked a significant shift in political power, with Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) winning the presidency with 56 percent of the vote. This made her the first female leader of a modern Chinese-speaking state.
- The text highlights the complex relationship between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), particularly in terms of cross-Strait relations. Tsai Ing-wen’s refusal to accept the “1992 Consensus” led to increased pressure from the PRC, resulting in a strained relationship between the two.
- The political landscape in Taiwan has evolved over the years, with the KMT (Kuomintang) historically dominating politics. However, the 2016 elections saw a significant shift in power, with the DPP gaining the presidency and its first-ever legislative majority. This marked a change in the political dynamic and raised questions about Taiwan’s future relationship with the PRC.
What is the historical and political background of Taiwan ?
It was settled by China and Europe in the 1600s
In 1895 it was colonized by Japan.
In 1945, it becomes Chinese territory after being colonized by the KMT.
When the KMT loses the Civil War in 1949, they retreat to Taiwan and set up a government in exile that is recognized by the USA.
The CCP wants to crush the KMT and send forces to Taiwan, but the Korean War begins and the send forces to Korea instead and concentrate the remaining troops along the border to prevent invasion.
During this conflict, Taiwan is an ally to the Americans.
It is ruled by and authoritarian regime until the 1980s.
When does the worlds view of Taiwan’s sovereignty begin to change, and how ?
Change begins in the 70s - in 71, people begin recognizing the PRC as China, and the US does so in 1979.
1979 - the Taiwan relations act - This deems Taiwan a non-peaceful issue of great concern. The US states it will take appropriate action and provide arms of a defensive character to Taiwan. However, they simultaneously acknowledge that Taiwan is part of China.
What do the terms “One China” refer to ?
In the People’s Republic of China’s constitutions is written the task of reunifying the motherland. One China means that Taiwan is a Chinese territory, not an independent.
What is the political process like on Taiwanese land after the KMT troops arrive in 1949 ?
The Marshall law place Chiang Kai-shek as leader.
When he passes, Chiang Ching Kuo, his son takes power. - he tolerates opposition party, lifts Marshall law and legitimizes itself procedurally through democratization.
What is the KMT ?
The KMT is still an important party. They compete for power in the elections. That is how Lee Teng-hui was, in the past, directly elected.
It is a nationalist party who is more in line with mainland China. They do not push for reunification because that is a “dream” they consider unlikely, but they are still closer. Contrary to other parties, it is considered to be distancing itself from the US which some Taiwanese individuals appreciate.
What is the DPP ?
The DPP is also an important party. It is in power right now, Tsai Ing-wen is the head of state (a woman!).
It mostly focuses on independence, sovereignty, and is supported by youthful voters. According to Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan already has de facto independence.
However, de jure independence would allow Taiwan to have more diplomatic spaces.
What do the survey tell us about the Taiwanese population’s political affiliations and wishes ?
- 80 % of the population are in favour of the status quo.
The 2019 repression in Hong Kong made many weary of this 1 country 2 systems solution which had previously been suggested.
- The population is filled with convincible voters, 40% are not associated to a specific party. There is a lot of flexibility.
- Concerning their identity, the Taiwanese identity is increasing, and the Chinese identity is decreasing.
How does China view Taiwan and its potential independence tendencies / aspirations ?
Unlike Taiwan who wants to keep strong economic ties to China and strike the political ties, China wants to conserve both.
The CCP is generally more favourable to the KMT than the DPP, partly because the KMT seems further from the USA.
China says that the countries that recognize Taiwan do it because of ideology or because of pragmatism (concerning resources).
What is the 1992 Consensus ?
Claims that China only refers to the mainland, and Taiwan is part of this mainland China.
China states that Taiwan is a matter of internal affairs (asking other states to stay out of it)
This consensus, along with the anti-secession law of 2005 reiterates the following: Taiwan’s secession will be met with non-peaceful means.
President Xi is still suggesting a 1 state 2 systems solution, but this is not popular in China.
What is the US’s involvement in modern updates, and what does its ambiguity in the issue accomplish ?
It does the following 2 things.
- It deters China from using force in Taiwan.
- It deters Taiwan from declaring independence (because they know if the US is involved, China would strike even harder) - because this would be an awful armed conflict.
Name one recent variable which has changed the way the US regards the case of Taiwan.
The military balance has evolved in the last decades, China’s military has grown exponentially.
Biden says the US will defend Taiwan regardless,
This happens to be one of the only things both parties in the United States agree with.
Though this did not change the position on paper, it changes the dynamics and makes the Americans increasingly concerned : if there is reunification or Chinese domination of Taiwan, China gains a strategic standpoint.
What are the significant recent developments in the case of Taiwan ?
- Chinese planes have been spotted flying repeatedly into Taiwanese air defence zones.
This blurs the lines of a military conflict.
It also forces Taiwan to waste resources.
This has increased US military aid, and the have even added military training of Taiwanese soldiers by American officers.
- The development of the microchip industry. It is intensely used by China and somewhat acts as a deterrent for that reason.
- Beijing was very upset at Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to Taiwan.
- There are important elections coming up in 2024
