The Politics of Taiwan Flashcards
The foundations of the Republic of China (ROC)
- Founded on 1 January 1912
- Nanjing as capital
- Sun Yat-sen as first president
Issues in Taiwanese Politics
- Domestic divisions
– Those with recent roots in mainland China; and generally those who favour a “Chinese” identity and close relations to the PRC
– Those who were there before 1945; tend to favour “Taiwanisation” and distance from the PRC - Cross-strait relations
– How to relate to the PRC in the international arena
– How to navigate Taiwan’s precarious international position
– Is Taiwan a part of China?
– Independence or unification?
The Status of the Republic of China/Taiwan
ROC position:
- De jure sovereign state, founded in 1912
- Functions as independent state, so “independence” refers to “Taiwanese independence” from ROC…
- Never succeeded by the PRC because it continued to exist
- Stance on “One China” extremely ambiguous
- Common opinion: PRC has never governed Taiwan, so it has no jurisdiction there
- Only has full diplomatic relations with 13 countries
- But de facto much more recognition than “unofficial” countries like Kurdistan or Catalonia
- Passport accepted everywhere (but not PRC), and diplomatic offices maintained globally
The Status of the Republic of China/Taiwan
PRC position:
- “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China”
- ROC ceased to be a legitimate government when PRC was founded in 1949
- “One China Principle”: PRC has sovereignty over all China, which includes Taiwan “Province”
- PRC claims global consensus on “One China Principle”
- Not true. In reality most countries have a:
- “One China Policy”: countries may only have diplomatic relations with PRC, not ROC
- PRC claims its right to extend jurisdiction to include Taiwan, by force if necessary
- PRC blocks ROC participation in international organisations
One China Policy: what it is and what it is not
- Majority of countries have One China Policy: only diplomatic relations with PRC
- But most of them do not:
– state they see Taiwan as a “Province of China” (PRC)
– take a position on Taiwan’s international status
Taiwan at the UN: United Nations General Assembly Resoluton 2758
- UNGA Resolution 2758 in 1971: UN seat of member state “China” switched from the Republic of China to the People’s Republic of China
- PRC claim: there is UN consensus that Taiwan is “Province of China”
- Crucial: Taiwan is not mentioned in UNGA Resolution 2758
- UNGA Resolution 2758
– leaves Taiwan’s status undecided
– does not state that Taiwan is a part of China
– nor that PRC may represent Taiwan at the UN
Issues in Taiwanese Politics
- Understanding of postwar history essential for understanding extreme complexity of Taiwanese society: difference between “blue” and “green”
- Democratic success story: deep divisions in society are channeled and resolved through democratic process
- Civil society success story: where politics is failing a thriving civil society has taken the initiative; further democratization, same-sex marriage, women’s rights, etc
- Media freedom and publishing culture unique in East Asia and is perhaps Taiwan’s true strength
Taiwan as a province of the ROC 1945-1949
- KMT leaders from mainland seen as outsiders
- Taiwanese excluded from provincial government
- De-Japanization campaign alienates locals
- Rise of corruption and poverty
- Increasing tension mainlanders (ROC regime) and locals
1947: February 28 Massacre
- In Taiwan known as “ererba” 228
- Anti-government uprising against KMT/ROC regime
- Crackdown: estimated 10k-30k deaths
- Beginning of “White Terror”
1947: February 28 Massacre
- Extremely important event in Taiwanese history and for Taiwanese independence movement
- Memory suppressed until late 1980s
- Commemoration and memory 228 now central part of Taiwanese politics
1949: Relocation of ROC government to Taiwan
- When Chiang Kai-shek and the Nationalist government lose the Civil War they flee to Taiwan
- With ROC government 2 million people flee to Taiwan in 1945-1949
- “Nationalisation”: Promotion Guoyu (standard Chinese) and Chinese culture, Taiwanese culture and languages suppressed
- Massive tensions on island
- Instability: fear of CCP invasion and difficulty in establishing new regime
Chiang Kai-shek 1887-1975
- Chinese leader before 1949 (“Director of the State Council” from 1928)
- After losing civil war moves to Taiwan with 2 million mainland refugees
- Continues to claim sovereignty over all China
- President of the ROC 1950-1975
- Establishes KMT dictatorship in Taiwan led by mainland allies
Martial Law 1949-1987
- Outlawed formation political parties
- No right to assembly, free speech
- Complete control KMT over media
- Sweeping powers for military
- Heavy suppression of Hokkien (“Taiwanese”) and other Chinese languages
- Suppression of Taiwanese culture/consciousness
White Terror
- Often used for 1950-1953: worst period of oppression
- But broad meaning: 1947-1987
For opposing the KMT:
- 140k people imprisoned
- Around 4k executed
- Victims: Taiwan’s intellectual elite, independence activists, democracy activists, indigenous leaders
- But also a surprising number of mainlanders who had come with Chiang Kai-shek
Green Island used as a Penal Colony 1940s-1980s
