User:Jargo Nautilus/sandbox

Jargo's sandbox.

Separatism in Taiwan

Other sovereignty-related movements in Taiwan

Fujian-Taiwan (re)unification movement

See also: Fujian Province, Taiwan under Qing rule, and Taiwan Prefecture

• Ethnic group: Hoklo people, Hoklo Taiwanese
  • Proposed unification with a foreign subregion: Greater Fujian Province, China
  • Proposed unification between two proposed states:Greater Hoklo Republic ( Fujian- Taiwan Union)
    • Movement: Fujian-Taiwan (re)unification movement, Chinese nationalism, Taiwanese nationalism, Hoklo nationalism
      • Note: In early-modern history, Fujian and Taiwan were previously unified into a single province (Fujian Province) from 1684 until 1887, during the Qing dynasty of China. However, this was more of a nominal unification than a real one, with Taiwan essentially functioning as an autonomous zone within Fujian Province. Movement to Taiwan was restricted by the Qing dynasty because Taiwan was difficult to administer, both due to its being located across the turbulent Taiwan Strait and also due to the populations of independent Taiwanese indigenous peoples roaming around the eastern portion of the island. In the present day, around 70% of Taiwanese society identifies as Hoklo Taiwanese. Hoklos, a subgroup of the Han Chinese, are the primary ethnic group of the modern Fujian Province in China.
    • Claimed territories: Fujian Province (China), Taiwan
    • Area of claimed territories: Roughly 157,000 km²
    • Population of claimed territories: Roughly 62,000,000 people

Japan-Taiwan (re)unification movement

See also: Empire of Japan, Taiwan under Japanese rule, and Treaty of Shimonoseki

• Ethnic group: Japanese people, Taiwanese people
  • Proposed unification with a foreign state: Greater Japan (Japan)
    • Movement: Japan-Taiwan (re)unification movement, Japanese nationalism, Taiwanese nationalism
      • Note: In modern history, Taiwan was a core region (colony) of the Empire of Japan (Japan) from 1895 until 1945. Throughout World War II (WWII, 1939–1945), Japan conquered vast regions across the Asia-Pacific, stretching from (much of) China to Indonesia. However, most of these regions were only really being occupied by Japan, and there was little opportunity to integrate them into the Japanese state, Japanese culture, or Japanese ethnicity during the few years that Japan was occupying them. Conversely, the core regions of the Empire of Japan, which had been part of Japan for significantly longer, were more easily able to be integrated. These regions included Taiwan, Korea, the Ryukyu Islands, and several other minor territories surrounding Japan. Taiwan, having been under Japanese rule for significantly longer than any other region that is no longer part of Japan today, was heavily subjected to Japanese integration policies (national, cultural, and ethnic) during the years leading up to WWII. Having been ceded from the Qing dynasty (of China) to Japan by the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895, Taiwan was viewed by Japan as a "model colony" where it could develop its colonisation techniques, which it intended to export to the rest of the Asia-Pacific. Japan surrendered Taiwan to the Allies (the United States of America and the Republic of China) in 1945 and formally relinquished sovereignty over Taiwan in 1951 with the signing of the Treaty of San Francisco. In the present day, Japanese people in Taiwan constitute a minority of the population, but many Taiwanese people still identify with Japanese culture (from the colonial period), to some extent.
    • Advocacy groups: Taiwan Civil Government (Taiwanese conspiracy organisation)
    • Claimed territories: Japan, Taiwan
    • Area of claimed territories: Roughly 415,000 km²
    • Population of claimed territories: Roughly 150,000,000 people

Statehood for Taiwan (United States)

See also: American imperialism, Territorial evolution of the United States, and Manifest destiny

• Ethnic group: Americans, Taiwanese people
  • Proposed unification with a foreign state: American Empire (United States)
    • Movement: Statehood for Taiwan (United States), American imperialism, Taiwanese nationalism
      • Note: Taiwan has never been under the rule of the United States of America (United States). However, much of Taiwan's modern history has been shaped by American imperialism. Throughout Taiwan's history prior to World War II (WWII, 1939–1945), the United States had a limited presence there (though, it did have a minor presence). However, the United States first gained a pronounced interest in Taiwan during WWII whilst Taiwan was a core region of the Empire of Japan (Japan) and was hence an Axis territory. After WWII, Taiwan's importance increased significantly when the Republic of China (led by the Chinese Nationalists) retreated to Taiwan in 1949 after losing the Chinese Civil War to the Chinese Communists. Although the United States was initially dis-interested in protecting Taiwan or assisting the defeated Republic of China, the United States soon placed both of these initiatives on its national agenda in the midst of the Korean War (1950–1953), which saw the United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC, Communist China) engaged in direct warfare on the Korean Peninsula. Given that the PRC was a common enemy between the ROC and the United States, and given that the ROC was possibly able to claim legitimacy over the PRC as the representative of China, the United States formed a strong military alliance with the ROC, that lasted until 1978, which was when the United States switched allegiance from the ROC to the PRC. However, post-switch, the United States soon formulated a "Taiwan Relations Act" (1979) in order to handle its relations with the now unrecognised Republic of China on Taiwan. In the present day, Americans constitute a minority in Taiwan.
    • Advocacy groups: Taiwan Civil Government (Taiwanese conspiracy organisation)
    • Claimed territories: Taiwan, United States
    • Area of claimed territories: Roughly 9,870,000 km²
    • Population of claimed territories: Roughly 350,000,000 people

Pictures from East Asia

East Asia

There are seventeen officially-recognized indigenous ethnic groups in East Asia, sixteen native to Taiwan and one native to Japan.

The Taiwanese government officially recognizes sixteen indigenous ethnic groups, collectively known as the Taiwanese indigenous peoples. Several other observed indigenous ethnic groups in Taiwan remain unrecognized. The languages of Taiwanese indigenous peoples have significance in historical linguistics, since in all likelihood Taiwan was the place of origin of the entire Austronesian language family, which spread across Oceania.

The Japanese government officially recognizes the Ainu people as an indigenous ethnic group as of 2019. The Ainu are observed to be indigenous to Hokkaidō (Japan), the Kuril Islands (Russia, partially claimed by Japan), and much of Sakhalin (Russia). As Japanese settlement expanded, the Ainu were pushed northward and fought against the Japanese in Shakushain's Revolt and Menashi-Kunashir Rebellion, until by the Meiji period they were confined by the government to a small area in Hokkaidō, in a manner similar to the placing of Native Americans on reservations.

China (People's Republic) does not recognize any ethnic groups as being indigenous. Since China claims Taiwan's territory and government, it also claims Taiwan's residents, including the Taiwanese indigenous peoples. China recognizes all distinct Taiwanese indigenous peoples as a single non-indigenous ethnic group, the so-called Gāoshān.

Other indigenous ethnic groups (or collections of ethnic groups) in East Asia that remain unrecognized include the Ryukyuans (Ryukyu Islands, Japan) and Tibetans (Tibet, China), among others.

Terminology

The region of "East Asia" is usually said to include the regions of China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau), Japan (Home Islands, Ryukyu Islands), Mongolia, Korea (North, South), and Taiwan.

Several countries in East Asia have territorial disputes with countries that lie outside of the common definition of East Asia. Hence, the precise borders of East Asia are disputed. Some of the most notable disputes include:

• Arunachal Pradesh, an Indian state, known in China as "South Tibet" (administered by India, claimed by China).
• Several of the Kuril Islands, a minor island chain in the North Pacific Ocean, including Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and the Habomai Islands (administered by Russia, claimed by Japan).
• Aksai Chin, a fragment of Kashmir that India claims but currently allows China to control temporarily.

There are other definitions of East Asia. One example is a combination of Southeast Asia, East Asia, and North Asia, covering every region of Asia that includes "East" in its name. West Papua, a region within Australasia (a part of Oceania) that is administered by Indonesia, may or may not be included within this definition.

"Northeast Asia" is sometimes used as an alternate name for East Asia in order to better distinguish the region from Southeast Asia. However, the definition of Northeast Asia often also covers Siberia, or, in other words, the Asian portion of Russia. Hence, there often isn't an exact overlap between the terms "East Asia" and "Northeast Asia".

Kinmenese and Matsunese people

Han Chinese people native to the territories of Kinmen, Matsu, and Wuqiu, all of which are under the jurisdiction of Taiwan (and are hence often described as "Taiwanese" territories), are (mostly) technically Hoklos (from mainland China) but usually aren't considered to be members of the Hoklo Taiwanese ethnic group since these territories are technically not Taiwanese; instead, they are technically Fujianese (Mainland Chinese). The peoples of Kinmen and Wuqiu (governed by Taiwan as part of Kinmen) are collectively known as "Kinmenese" people, whereas the people of Matsu are known as "Matsunese" people. Kinmenese and Matsunese people are often falsely considered (by other people) to be Mainlanders (Taiwanese). In fact, Kinmenese and Matunese people are neither Mainlanders (Taiwanese) nor New Immigrants (from China). Rather, they are actually Mainlanders (from China) who never left China, but are now governed by Taiwan rather than by China as a consequence of the Chinese Civil War. In modern times, there is a significant population flow between Taiwanese Fujian (Kinmen, Matsu, and Wuqiu) and Taiwan, so many Kinmenese and Matsunese people regularly migrate to and from Taiwan.

Secession in China (Simple English Wikipedia)

There are several independence movements in China, also known as "separatist" or "secessionist" movements.

Greater China is a social, cultural, and political region in East Asia that consists of the following countries or territories:

• Communist China (officially the People's Republic of China, or China PR) — Communist China is the portion of China that is governed under a communist political system. This region is also commonly known as "mainland China".
• Hong Kong (officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, or Hong Kong SAR) — Hong Kong is a large semi-democratic city-state in the south of China. Hong Kong is socially and economically semi-independent from Communist China but is militarily and politically controlled by Communist China.
• Macau (officially the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, or Macau SAR) — Macau is a small semi-democratic city-state in the south of China, nearby to Hong Kong. Macau is also socially and economically semi-independent from Communist China but is militarily and politically controlled by Communist China.
• Taiwan (officially the Republic of China (Taiwan), or Chinese Taipei and many other euphemisms) — Taiwan is a large island that is located to the southeast of China, to the southwest of Japan, and to the north of the Philippines. Taiwan is socially, economically, militarily, and politically independent from Communist China, effectively making it an independent country. However, Communist China views Taiwan's government as illegitimate and believes that Taiwan belongs to Communist China. Most countries around the world do not recognise Taiwan's government, in order to please Communist China, but still conduct economic and cultural trade with Taiwan.

Taiwanese nationalism

Taiwanese nationalism (Chinese: 臺灣民族主義，台湾民族主义; pinyin: Táiwān Mínzú Zhǔyì; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tâi-oân bîn-cho̍k-chú-gī) is an extremely complex nationalist movement which identifies the Taiwanese people as a nation distinct from the Chinese.

Taiwanese nationalism is strongly linked to the Taiwan independence movement, which seeks to clarify the political status of Taiwan and resolve the territorial dispute between the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan and the People's Republic of China (PRC) on mainland China so that Taiwan's de facto autonomy (under the ROC regime) can be recognized, which can allow for the further legitimate development of Taiwanese nationalistic sentiments and a distinct Taiwanese identity.

Taiwanese nationalism (Chinese: 臺灣民族主義，台湾民族主义; pinyin: Táiwān Mínzú Zhǔyì; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tâi-oân bîn-cho̍k-chú-gī) is a highly complex nationalist movement originating from the East Asian island of Taiwan. The movement seeks to formulate an interpretation of the Taiwanese nation which can become accepted by mainstream society not only in countries outside of Taiwan but also in Taiwan itself.

Currently, the idea of Taiwanese nationalism is largely perceived as a process of breaking away from Chinese nationalism and the Chinese nation, both literally and figuratively. Historically, Taiwanese nationalism was also significantly challenged by other forms of nationalism, such as Imperial Japanese nationalism, Qing Chinese nationalism, and Taiwanese Aboriginal nationalism; it still is to some extent in modern times.

At the moment, the island of Taiwan is heavily divided between Taiwanese nationalist factions and Chinese nationalist factions. The Chinese nationalist factions of Taiwan are generally loyal to the Republic of China (ROC), a largely unrecognised state which controls Taiwan and some nearby minor islands, rather than to the People's Republic of China (PRC), the state which controls most of mainland China.

Background

Taiwan, also known as Formosa, is an island located at the crossroads of East Asia and Southeast Asia, facing mainland China to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, Japan to the north, and the Philippines to the south. During Taiwan's prehistory, the island was predominantly inhabited by the Taiwanese indigenous peoples. These peoples lived in isolation on Taiwan for thousands of years, maintaining distinct customs and languages from those of mainland China. The Taiwanese indigenous peoples are classified as linguistically Austronesian and they are theorized to be the most recent common ancestor of all Austronesian peoples, who predominantly inhabit a region spanning from Madagascar in the west to Easter Island in the east and from Hawaii in the north to New Zealand in the south.

The first foreign regimes were established on Taiwan during the 17th century. The Dutch and Spanish empires respectively established Dutch Formosa and Spanish Formosa during the first half of the century. Around this time, Han Chinese people first began migrating to Taiwan in significant numbers to work on plantations for these two European colonizers. In 1661–1662, the mixed Chinese-Japanese military and pirate leader Koxinga invaded Taiwan and annexed Dutch Formosa (which had already forced the Spanish to leave earlier). Koxinga, also known as Zheng Chenggong, then established the Kingdom of Tungning in southwestern Taiwan (what is now known as Tainan) and claimed it for the exiled Ming dynasty of China. Though Koxinga died in 1662, his sons and grandsons continued his legacy in Taiwan.

In 1683 the Qing dynasty of China invaded and annexed the Kingdom of Tungning, subsequently laying claim to the entire island. The Qing had been fighting a civil war against the Ming for several decades by now, and the Kingdom of Tungning was the last Ming outpost, and it was located outside of China's territory. As such, Taiwan first came under the rule of a Chinese regime based in mainland China in 1683. The Qing originally administered Taiwan as a prefecture of Fujian Province but eventually upgraded Taiwan to its own province in 1885–1887 in order to cement its claim to island and to encourage more intense development in Taiwan. However, the Qing lost the First Sino-Japanese War in 1894–1895 and were forced to cede Taiwan in perpetuity to the Empire of Japan, who developed Taiwan into a colony.

The Japanese managed to develop Taiwan to a higher degree than the Qing, and used Taiwan to fuel their further imperialistic ambitions. However, the Empire of Japan lost the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1945 and were forced to relinquish control of Taiwan in that same year. By this time, the Qing had been replaced by the Republic of China (1912–1949) (ROC), who wanted to annex Taiwan in the name of irredentism (since the Qing had previously administered Taiwan). The ROC successfully managed to reincorporate Taiwan into China but there is a dispute as to whether this was accomplished in compliance with international law. Due to the fact that the war against Japan had merged into the greater context of World War II, the rest of the WWII Allies also had a say in the future of Taiwan.

In 1949, the ROC lost the Chinese Civil War against the rebelling Communists and were forced to flee from mainland China to Taiwan (which had already been briefly under ROC control), where they re-established ROC institutions and selected Taipei in northern Taiwan as the new provisional capital for the ROC (to this day, the de jure capital is still Nanjing in mainland China). The Communists proclaimed the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland in 1949, and eventually ascended to the position of "China" in the United Nations in 1971. The number of the ROC's diplomatic allies began to plummet after this. Both the PRC and the ROC maintained a One-China policy at the time, and most countries preferred to recognize the PRC in mainland China rather than the ROC on Taiwan, leaving it as a de facto state now.

Throughout the rule of the ROC on Taiwan, it has faced a certain level of distrust from the Taiwanese. The ROC ruled Taiwan with an iron fist from 1945 until 1987, during a period which has come to be known as the White Terror (martial law in Taiwan). However, most Taiwanese people carried majority Han Chinese ancestry, so there was also a certain level of camaraderie between the ROC on Taiwan and the Taiwanese. Although the citizens of Taiwan (ROC) in modern times cannot agree on whether they should identify as Chinese or as Taiwanese, most of the state is united in their hate for Communism and their distrust towards China (PRC). However, the loyalist Pan-Blue Coalition of Taiwan is more willing to engage in cultural and economic relations with China (PRC) compared to the localist Pan-Green Coalition.

Taiwanese nationalist narrative

In the domestic dispute over the role of the Taiwanese localization movement, Chinese nationalists in Taiwan argue that Taiwanese culture should only be emphasized in the larger context of Chinese culture, while Taiwanese nationalists argue that Chinese culture is only one small part of Taiwanese culture.

Taiwanese nationalism among diaspora

See also: Overseas Taiwanese

On Wikipedia, Overseas Taiwanese are variably classified as a subgroup of Overseas Chinese or as their own ethnic group or nationality.

Terminology Notes

Here's some jargon that you might want to be acquainted with.

• Formosa and the Pescadores
  • This refers to the territory covered by the Treaty of Shimonoseki, Treaty of San Francisco, and Taiwan Relations Act.
  • In modern times, this has changed to "Taiwan and Penghu".
  • Often, people abbreviate this to just "Taiwan", since it's bigger and more important than Penghu.
• Quemoy and Matsu
  • This refers to the territory under the control of Taiwan (ROC) which are not covered by the aforementioned treaties and acts.
  • In modern times, this has changed to "Kinmen and Matsu".
  • Often, people abbreviate this to just "Kinmen", since it's bigger and more important than Matsu.
  • Chinese and Taiwanese people use the term "Golden Horse" when talking about Kinmen and Matsu collectively.
• Mainland China
  • This refers to all of the territories under the control of China (PRC) apart from Hong Kong and Macau.
  • Taiwan is not part of mainland China.
  • Kinmen and Matsu are part of mainland China but they are administered by Taiwan (ROC).
• Republic of China on Taiwan
  • This is a term used to differentiate between the Republic of China (the governing body) and Taiwan (the island).
• Waishengren and Benshengren
  • These two terms describe ethnic groups in Taiwan. Both are classified as sub-ethnic groups within the Han Taiwanese.
  • "Waishengren" is not synonymous with "Mainlander". It refers to the descendants of Mainlanders in Taiwan.
  • "Benshengren" is usually synonymous with "Native Taiwanese", though some people object to this usage.
• Japanese Formosa
  • This term was a name given to Taiwan under Japanese rule.
  • In modern times, this has changed to "Japanese Taiwan".
  • Penghu was part of Japanese Taiwan.
• Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu
  • This is the name used by the World Trade Organization to describe Taiwan (ROC).
• Chinese Taipei
  • This term is used by the World Trade Organization and the International Olympic Committee to describe Taiwan (ROC).

Naming conventions

Taiwan (ROC)

The Republic of China on Taiwan is commonly referred to as "Taiwan" by other countries (despite this not being its constitutional name) and often refers to itself as "Republic of China (Taiwan)" in an official sense, such as on the Republic of China (Taiwan) passport and on government-administered websites. This is often to avoid foreigners accidentally being confused over which country is which (since the name "Republic of China" might be mistaken as the official name of China (PRC) instead of Taiwan (ROC)). Intergovernmental organizations refer to Taiwan (ROC) with a variety of names, often highly ambiguous or convoluted, most prominently "Chinese Taipei" and the "Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu". Taiwan (ROC) must use these names instead of "Republic of China" or "Taiwan" when participating in most high-level intergovernmental organizations (such as the World Trade Organization) or international events (such as the Olympics).

China (PRC)

The People's Republic of China is often referred to as either "China (PRC)" or "PR China" in an official sense (such as in the United Nations), in order to differentiate it from Taiwan (ROC). However, the Republic of China is almost never referred to as "Taiwan (ROC)" or just "Republic of China" in an official sense outside of the seventeen countries which officially recognize it as a legitimate sovereign state (ruling over both China and Taiwan).

Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

Regarding the name of the political party which administers China (PRC) as a one-party state, it is officially referred to with two subtly different names in English; either the "Communist Party of China (CPC)" or "Chinese Communist Party (CCP)". The former name is the official name used by the party itself (in English), with the emphasis on the word "of" giving the sense that the party serves the people. On the other hand, the latter name doesn't carry this connotation as effectively, and is often simply used by other countries as a shorthand version (since the word "of" can make speech/text more convoluted if used too frequently).

Taiwan/Penghu Logbook

Blog Posts

Michael Thim and Michael Turton

https://medium.com/american-citizens-for-taiwan/what-is-behind-the-current-international-status-of-taiwan-75d19b954c29

https://michaelturton.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-century-of-humiliation-is.html

https://michaelturton.blogspot.com/2012/09/paper-on-parade-diaoyutai-islands-on.html

https://medium.com/american-citizens-for-taiwan/the-island-claims-taiwan-versus-the-roc-d468e12a8178

https://thediplomat.com/2017/07/the-chinese-cult-of-cairo-and-the-status-of-taiwan/

https://thediplomat.com/2014/07/why-defending-taiwan-is-not-illegal/

https://thediplomat.com/2014/07/international-law-is-taiwans-enemy/

Thought Co.

https://www.thoughtco.com/is-taiwan-a-country-1435437

https://www.thoughtco.com/taiwan-facts-and-history-195091

https://www.thoughtco.com/china-provinces-4158617

https://www.thoughtco.com/capitals-of-every-independent-country-1434452

https://www.thoughtco.com/number-of-countries-in-the-world-1433445

https://www.thoughtco.com/brief-history-of-taiwan-688021

Journals

https://www.jstor.org/stable/44288637?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

News Articles

Taipei Times

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2015/05/03/2003617348

• Lee Teng-hui does not support the 1992 Consensus, he says, because it doesn't exist.

Taiwan News

https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3106953

• Okinawans might be descended from Taiwan.

Washington Post

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/taiwan-becomes-first-country-in-asia-to-legalize-same-sex-marriage/2019/05/17/d60e511e-7893-11e9-bd25-c989555e7766_story.html?utm_term=.0bc8e8327f52

CNN

http://edition.cnn.com/2002/BUSINESS/asia/01/01/taiwan.wtoofficial/index.html

Straits Times

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/xi-jinping-says-china-must-be-will-be-reunified-with-taiwan

• Xi's sabre rattling.

Organizations

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/taiwanese-museum-just-digitized-its-massive-collection-chinese-art-180964257/

https://www.britannica.com/place/Taiwan

https://unpo.org/article/1410

https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/taiwan.htm

https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/countries_e/chinese_taipei_e.htm

• World Trade Organization webpage for Taiwan.

Kinmen/Matsu Logbook

On Wikipedia, Kinmen/Matsu are regarded as just two little outlying island-counties of Taiwan. However, they're much more significant than that. Kinmen/Matsu is such an interesting topic and also such a complicated one. I'm surprised at how few people seemingly care about the issue. The islands are often forgotten as relics of the Cold War. They were very well-known in America during the 1950s, but now nobody really cares about them.

Blog Posts

https://supchina.com/2017/07/07/place-p-r-c-stops-taiwan-begins/

• This is the best article which I could find about Kinmen and Matsu. It's quite succinct but it gives great insight into the issue.

https://frozengarlic.wordpress.com/2015/11/19/kinmen/

• Bookmarked.

https://jamestown.org/program/ccp-propaganda-against-taiwan-enters-the-social-age/

https://medium.com/@wantsunglun/the-politicization-of-kinmens-wind-lion-gods-red-or-green-4f36abd94c79

• Someone put a PRC flag on a wind lion god statue in Kinmen.

https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/3b74dn/taiwans-state-sponsored-brothels-101

• State-sponsored brothels in Kinmen.

News Articles

Focus Taiwan

http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201901150024.aspx

http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201903160020.aspx

http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201807300024.aspx

Taipei Times

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2014/07/26/2003595970

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/supplement/archives/2004/06/15/2003175210/1

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2016/06/09/2003648237

BBC

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20180924-beishan-broadcast-wall-taiwans-eerie-sonic-weapon

Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-taiwan-drills/taiwan-says-beijing-saber-rattling-as-china-starts-military-drills-idUSKBN1HP0DI

https://widerimage.reuters.com/story/golden-gate-between-china-and-taiwan

• Is Kinmen a Golden Gate to Taiwan?

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-taiwan-china/china-turns-firepower-to-soft-power-to-try-to-win-tiny-taiwan-held-island-idUSKCN0S12L320151007

Los Angeles Times

https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-taiwan-kinmen-20141019-story.html

Other

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Taiwan_set_to_open_two_islands_off_China_999.html

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/china-turns-firepower-to-soft-power-to-try-to-win-tiny-taiwan-held-island-1229569

https://www.yogonet.com/international/noticias/2015/05/27/34664-taiwan-gets-warning-from-beijing-about-possible-casino-on-kinmen-island

• This article discusses how China (PRC) was trying to ban gambling from Kinmen/Matsu back in 2015.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/from-war-to-peace-a-kinmen-war-veteran-s-account-9324530

• “I was taking a shower when I heard the artillery shells firing."

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/72871

• "On the Front Lines of Taiwan's History in Kinmen"

https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=971

• Chinese students invade Kinmen.

Forums

https://www.sinodefenceforum.com/invasion-of-kinmen-and-matsu-islands.t1504/page-4

• Very interesting military strategy forum discussion regarding Kinmen/Matsu.

Galleries

https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2015/10/taiwans-kinmen-islands-only-a-few-miles-from-mainland-china/409720/

Reddit Posts

The Taiwan SubReddit is a handy place to learn about Taiwan. You can talk to actual Taiwanese people there.

The China SubReddit is mostly used by Western expats in China. The people there support Taiwan but they're often quite ignorant about Taiwan.

Occasionally, Taiwan is mentioned in other SubReddits, such as the Ask History SubReddit.

I've found these links using the Google search phrase "taiwan reddit kinmen".

Taiwan SubReddit

https://www.reddit.com/r/taiwan/comments/bibaa4/a_short_video_travel_review_of_kinmen_island_in/

https://www.reddit.com/r/taiwan/comments/3ezw70/lets_talk_about_kinmen_island/

https://www.reddit.com/r/taiwan/comments/7ayupr/i_took_this_picture_at_kinmen_an_small_island/

https://www.reddit.com/r/taiwan/comments/3tfgak/i_am_used_to_speaking_of_this_country_as_taiwan/

https://www.reddit.com/r/taiwan/comments/808gvi/hypothetical_future_kinmen_matsu_sar/

• This post is quite in-depth. The author must be a history buff. It details a possible future for Kinmen/Matsu as a SAR of China (PRC).

https://www.reddit.com/r/taiwan/comments/5go9v7/til_about_the_battle_of_guningtou_the_final_stand/

• This post and its comment section discusses the significance of Kinmen/Matsu and its role in Taiwanese history.

https://www.reddit.com/r/taiwan/comments/4k1s2d/how_has_roc_been_able_to_hold_on_to_kinmen/

• That's a very good question. How has the ROC been able to hold onto Kinmen? It isn't simple.

https://www.reddit.com/r/taiwan/comments/95ukak/taiwans_kinmen_island_begins_importing_water_from/

• Here's what some Taiwanese think about Kinmen's water deal with China (PRC).

https://www.reddit.com/r/taiwan/comments/87i2lk/scenario_the_fourth_taiwan_strait_crisis_of_2020/

• This post speculates about a possible Fourth Taiwan Strait Crisis involving Kinmen.

China SubReddit

https://www.reddit.com/r/China/comments/3o30w4/photoset_taiwans_kinmen_islands_only_a_few_miles/

https://www.reddit.com/r/China/comments/3tg3x7/i_am_used_to_speaking_of_this_country_as_taiwan/

Ask Historians SubReddit

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1vl283/how_did_taiwan_manage_to_hold_on_to_the_island_of/

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/532kle/why_did_taiwan_stand_while_hainan_fell/

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/75n4ea/can_anyone_tell_me_more_info_about_this_abandoned/

Geopolitics SubReddit

https://www.reddit.com/r/geopolitics/comments/4tqfn1/you_ask_how_deeply_i_love_you_kinmen_island_and/

The issue of Kinmen/Matsu

Background

Main articles: Kinmen and Matsu Islands

When the Republic of China (1912–1949) (under the Kuomintang) was forced to retreat to Formosa and the Pescadores (Taiwan and Penghu) in 1949, several Chinese (i.e. not Japanese) islands still remained under Kuomintang control.

• The island of Hainan remained under Kuomintang control until 1950. It is now governed by the People's Republic of China (China (PRC)) as Hainan Province.

• The Zhoushan Islands remained under Kuomintang control until 1950. They are now governed by China (PRC) as part of Zhejiang Province.
• The Dachen Islands remained under Kuomintang control until 1955. They are now governed by China (PRC) as part of Zhejiang Province.
• The Kinmen, Wuqiu, and Matsu Islands remained under Kuomintang control until 1992. They have never been governed by China (PRC).

Because the Chinese Communist Party never gained control of the Kinmen, Wuqiu, and Matsu Islands, they are now governed by the Republic of China on Taiwan (Taiwan (ROC)) as "Kinmen County" (Kinmen, Wuqiu) and "Lienchiang County" (Matsu) within "Streamlined Fujian Province". The islands are often referred to collectively as "Kinmen and Matsu" (Kinmen/Matsu for short) or as "Golden Horse".

Historically, Kinmen and Matsu served as important defensive strongholds for the Kuomintang during the 1950–1970s, symbolizing the frontline of Kuomintang resistance against the Communist rebellion. They represented the last Kuomintang presence in "mainland China". The islands received immense coverage from Western (especially United States) media during the First Taiwan Strait Crisis of 1954–1955 and the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis of 1958. They were very significant in the context of the Cold War, a period from 1946 until 1991 of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union (and its allies) and the United States (and its allies).

Ever since Taiwan (ROC)'s transition into multi-party politics (i.e. "Democratization") during the 1990s, Kinmen and Matsu Counties have now essentially developed into two electorates which can be contested through democratic elections. Currently the two electorates are "strongholds" for the Kuomintang due mainly to popular opinion within the electorates, rather than brute control (as in the past). The two electorates have recently developed close relations with China (PRC), which lies only around 2–9 km west from the islands, whereas Taiwan lies around 166–189 km east from the islands.

Significance of Kinmen/Matsu

Kinmen and Matsu are unique and important for several reasons.

• The islands are located so close to China (PRC) that they are straddling its southeastern coastline, only a few kilometers away from Fujian Province.
  • The islands lie only 2–9 km away from China (PRC), whereas they lie a significant 166–189 km away from Taiwan Island (aka "mainland Taiwan").
  • The islands are located so close to China (PRC) that it would be feasible to build a physical bridge between them and China (PRC). Building a physical bridge between Taiwan Island and China (PRC), on the other hand, would be an astronomical task.
  • The islands are already connected to China (PRC) via undersea pipelines, as of 2018.
  • In order to travel from China (PRC) to Kinmen and Matsu, you need only take a ferry. However, in order to travel from Taiwan Island to Kinmen and Matsu, you have to ride on a commercial airplane (or a large ship). Ferries are currently operating between China (PRC) and Kinmen and Matsu.
• The islands are geographically defined as being part of mainland China rather than Taiwan (aka "Formosa and the Pescadores").
  • Certain publications often refer to Kinmen/Matsu as "islands belonging to Taiwan", but this is in reference to the Republic of China (on Taiwan) and not to an actual sovereign state named "Taiwan". In fact, Kinmen and Matsu are not part of Taiwan, both geographically and politically.
    • "Taiwan" is shorthand for "Republic of China" in English-speaking countries. Many Chinese are opposed to this nickname, given that it implies that Taiwan is a separate country from China (PRC). This name is also confusing for Taiwanese people themselves, who are led to believe that Taiwan is already an independent country. The theory that Taiwan is already independent doesn't really have a strong basis in international law. Former-President of the Republic of China Chen Shui-bian supports the viewpoint that Taiwan is already independent "as the Republic of China". That is, he believes that Taiwan and the Republic of China are one and the same.
  • The Treaty of Shimonoseki, the Treaty of San Francisco, and the Treaty of Taipei do not describe Kinmen and Matsu as being part of Taiwan.
    • The legal frameworks of the first two treaties might be used to justify Taiwan independence. If this happens, then Taiwan might be forced to relinquish control over Kinmen and Matsu, since those territories are not defined as being part of Taiwan (though, Penghu somewhat is). If an independent "Republic of Taiwan" relinquishes control over Kinmen and Matsu, then the Republic of China's territory will be restricted to just those islands. Effectively, there will be three countries occupying "Greater China" rather than just two. Of course, the Republic of China on Kinmen and Matsu would be minuscule, and it would probably be immediately annexed by China (PRC). Kinmen and Matsu might possibly be developed into a Special Administrative Region, though they would more likely be simply incorporated into Fujian Province, perhaps with special considerations.
  • The Taiwan Relations Act, a piece of legislation in the United States which outlines the fundamental basis of unofficial Taiwan-United States relations, does not describe Kinmen and Matsu as being part of Taiwan. Hence, the United States is not obliged to assist in the defence of these islands from China (PRC).
  • The World Trade Organization refers to Taiwan (ROC) as the "Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu (Chinese Taipei)". Hence, it does not consider Kinmen and Matsu (as well as Penghu) to be part of Taiwan.

• The islands are defined as comprising the entire Streamlined Fujian Province (officially just "Fujian Province") of the ROC on Taiwan.
  • This is one of only two official (and functioning) provinces in Taiwan (ROC), the other being "Streamlined Taiwan Province" (officially just "Taiwan Province").
    • Streamlined Taiwan Province is only comprised of counties and (provincial) cities. Therefore, the six special municipalities of Taiwan (ROC) are not defined as being part of Streamlined Taiwan Province. Those six special municipalities are Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. Technically, at least according to the laws of the Republic of China (which isn't recognized by most countries of the world and by international organizations), people living in the six special municipalities of Taiwan (ROC) are not actually Taiwanese. The same logic applies to the peoples of Kinmen and Matsu.
  • The usage of the term "province" demonstrates the reality that the political framework of the Republic of China still exists in Taiwan (ROC), albeit not in the exact same form as the original Republic of China (1912–1949).
    • Officially, Taiwan is being ruled by the Republic of China. That is, Taiwan does not rule itself. Some political theorists believe, with strong evidence, that Taiwan's true political status is that it is still being occupied by the Allies of World War II into the present day. The United States is the principal occupier, whereas the Republic of China (whose territory has now been mostly restricted to Taiwan) is the secondary occupier.
  • The area of Streamlined Fujian Province is quite small, at only 182.66 km² (70.53 sq mi). This is smaller than the area of Taipei City, the provisional capital of Taiwan (ROC), at 271.80 km² (104.94 sq mi).
    • This demonstrates the reality that the province is a relic from the Cold War and that the Chinese Civil War has yet to be properly resolved. Currently, the Chinese Civil War in in a state of "hiatus". It is considered by military strategists to be a "frozen conflict".

Possible security risk

The proximity of Kinmen and Matsu to China (PRC) is a major security issue for Taiwan (ROC) and the Taiwan independence movement.

Those in favour of Chinese Unification tend to view the close distance and ties between Kinmen and Matsu and China (PRC) positively. They argue that "Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be working towards peaceful reunification", and that Kinmen and Matsu are a good starting point for peaceful dialogue between China (PRC) and Taiwan (ROC). Reportedly, Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that differences in political systems between China (PRC) and Taiwan (ROC) should not be obstacles to Chinese Unification, and can be resolved through One Country Two Systems. In mainland China (i.e. not Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau), there is a ban on gambling. Allegedly, China has demanded to Taiwan (ROC) that gambling be banned from Kinmen and Matsu as well, which it considers to be part of mainland China. This indicates that if One Country Two Systems were to be offered to Taiwan, then the area covered by the system likely wouldn't include Kinmen and Matsu. However, Kinmen and Matsu are currently governed equally in Taiwan (ROC) compared to the rest of the state. Hence, a security risk is posed.

Supporters of Taiwan independence tend to be very suspicious of Kinmen and Matsu, and often view those islands as a burden to Taiwan and the movement. They believe that Kinmen and Matsu are the equivalent to the "Trojan Horse" which the Chinese (PRC) are going to use to infiltrate Taiwan (ROC). They believe that the close distance and ties between Kinmen and Matsu and China (PRC) pose a huge security risk to Taiwan (ROC) and a potential independent and sovereign "Republic of Taiwan". They also believe that Kinmen and Matsu are compromising the territorial integrity of Taiwan and are providing a gateway for the Chinese (PRC) into "mainland Taiwan" via islands which they view as "outlying islands of Taiwan (ROC)". In elections, Kinmen and Matsu are treated just as if they were part of Taiwan. Hence, whilst China (PRC) is behaving towards Kinmen and Matsu with the view that Kinmen and Matsu are part of mainland China and not part of Taiwan, they actually are in reality, and the differences between Kinmen and the neighbouring PRC-controlled city of Xiamen are immediately obvious after crossing the border.

Reportedly, the local government of Kinmen County supports stronger business and cultural ties with mainland China, similarly to the Kuomintang, and views itself as an important proxy (representative) or nexus (focal point) for improving Cross-Strait relations (that is, in the favour of Chinese Unification). In January 2001, direct travel between Kinmen (and Matsu) and mainland China re-opened under the "mini Three Links". As of 2015, Kinmen has plans to become a "special economic zone (of China)", similarly to the neighbouring mainland Chinese city of Xiamen. This might be accomplished in part by building a huge bridge connecting Kinmen to Xiamen, via the island of Lesser Kinmen (Lieyu); already, a bridge is being constructed between Greater Kinmen and Lesser Kinmen. Additionally, Kinmen has plans to become a "university island". In 2010, "National Kinmen Institute of Technology" was upgraded to "National Quemoy University". Kinmen plans to establish several branches of mainland Chinese universities in Kinmen, and has bargained with the central Taiwanese (ROC) government so that universities in Kinmen don't have to bounded by the same quotas as other Taiwanese universities in terms of admitting mainland Chinese students. In 2018, the local government of Kinmen unveiled a new undersea pipeline linking Kinmen to mainland China, through which drinking-water can be imported. This business deal caused controversy in Taiwan and resulted in a "stand-off" between Kinmen County and the Mainland Affairs Council of Taiwan (ROC).

The role of Kinmen/Matsu and Koxinga in the Chinese Unification narrative

The island of Kinmen's name in Chinese literally means "Golden Gate". Many theorists and strategists view Kinmen (as well as Matsu) as "The golden gate into Taiwan". Historically, Kinmen and its neighbouring PRC-controlled city of Xiamen have served as a sort of gateway into Taiwan. This was true for the historical Chinese military figure Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga), the man who is often touted as being single-handedly responsible for originally "bringing Taiwan into the fold".

Back in 1661–1662, Koxinga invaded Taiwan and expelled the Dutch from their colony of Dutch Formosa in southwestern Taiwan. Koxinga claimed Taiwan for the Ming dynasty, which had already been mostly overthrown by the ethnic-Manchu Qing dynasty in the mainland at the time, and established the independent Kingdom of Tungning in southwestern Taiwan. Allegedly, Zheng Jing, the eldest son of Koxinga, who ruled the Kingdom of Tungning after Koxinga's death in 1662, is quoted as saying "the Great Ming has settled among the waves . . . and administers a separate land from the Qing." in 1667. Supporters of Taiwan independence believe that Koxinga was the first to establish an independent regime on Taiwan, in resistance against the foreign Manchu invasion. On the other hand, supporters of Chinese Unification believe that Taiwan has always belonged to China (for over 1700 years, that is) and that Koxinga was a Chinese hero doing his duty at restoring Chinese sovereignty in Taiwan, which had been unfairly stolen by the Dutch invaders (that is, it belonged to the Chinese before the Dutch invaded, allegedly).

Supporters of Chinese Unification tend to believe that Manchu people are one of China's 55 ethnic minorities, and they also believe in a theory that "China will always unify after an extended period of division, and will always divide after an extended period of unity". Supporters of Chinese Unification also take the view that independent states which have broken off from China will always be part of "Greater China", regardless of whether the states identify as Chinese. Furthermore, supporters of Chinese Unification believe that countries which have been absorbed by China at a discernible point in history have always been a part of China and that they do not possess independent histories. For example, supporters of Chinese Unification believe that the historical country of Tibet, which Western scholars consider to have been a distinct entity over 1000 years ago prior to being absorbed by the Mongol Empire and incorporated into the Yuan dynasty, was never actually independent in the first place. Hence, supporters of Chinese Unification believe that China absorbs the history of all of the countries which it conquers.

This mindset might explain why supporters of Chinese Unification believe that Taiwan has belonged to China since 230 CE, after a mere expedition was sent to Taiwan by one of the historical Chinese states during a period of division. That is, China essentially only "visited" Taiwan and brought back some Taiwanese Aborigines to the mainland (supposedly), but didn't actually conquer Taiwan. In the Chinese Unification view, China actually did conquer Taiwan just from that visit, whereas Western scholars generally believe that this is a preposterous notion, given that China didn't have any clear-cut administrative control over Taiwan at that time. Therefore, most Western scholars believe that a Chinese regime only conquered Taiwan in 1662, when Koxinga expelled the Dutch from Taiwan (supporters of Chinese Unification instead cite the date 1661, when Koxinga landed on the island), and that Taiwan was only absorbed into a "unified China" in 1683, when the Qing dynasty conquered the Kingdom of Tungning and brought Taiwan under the rule of a mainland Chinese regime for the first time in history.

So, from both the Taiwanese independence view and the Chinese Unification view, Koxinga was an extremely important historical figure, but for entirely different reasons. This may be confusing for foreigners visiting both Taiwan (ROC) and China (PRC), since they will be able to see roughly equal numbers of monuments and institutions dedicated to Koxinga in both states, and may view him as simply an important figure in Han Chinese culture. The truth is much more sinister. In Xiamen, there are huge propaganda signs reading "One Country Two Systems" facing Kinmen. Whereas, in Kinmen, there are huge propaganda signs reading "Unite China through the Three Principles of the People", which have been left there by the Kuomintang. Dedications to Koxinga in both Xiamen and Kinmen actually symbolise the ideology and narrative of Chinese Unification. Koxinga is seen as a Chinese national hero who brought Taiwan back into the fold centuries ago. Kinmen is seen as the golden gate which brought Koxinga into Taiwan once before, and which will ultimately do the same again. Still, Koxinga remains an icon of Taiwan independence.

Kinmen/Matsu as part of "Taiwan"

Within Taiwan, one camp believes that Kinmen and Matsu should be abandoned from a potential independent and sovereign "Republic of Taiwan". This view aligns with the aforementioned treaties and acts which do not define Kinmen and Matsu as being part of Taiwan. This same camp also believes that China (PRC) has only "allowed" the ROC to continue controlling Kinmen and Matsu in order to "tether" Taiwan to mainland China. The fact that China (PRC) propagandizes Kinmen and Matsu is evidence that this is true to at least a certain degree. In a hypothetical scenario where Kinmen and Matsu are abandoned by the "Republic of Taiwan", they would likely be "ceded" to China (PRC) via a peace treaty, officially ending the Chinese Civil War.

Also within Taiwan, a second camp believes that Kinmen and Matsu belong to Taiwan. This camp believes that the ROC and Taiwan have become one and the same. By this logic, Taiwan effectively owns all of the same territories which the ROC is said to own. Among these territories is Kinmen and Matsu. If a potential "Republic of Taiwan" were to be created, this camp believes that the new country will actually be the successor state to the ROC, rather than an entirely new country. Therefore, if Taiwan independence were to be successfully achieved, then the islands of Kinmen and Matsu would hypothetically cease to be administered as "Fujian Province", and would instead simply be classified as "satellite islands of Taiwan" (much in the same way as Penghu).

Despite the differing views of these two camps, there is a general understanding throughout Taiwan that Kinmen and Matsu are not part of the historical region of "Taiwan", due to having never been governed under the following regimes: Dutch Formosa, Spanish Formosa, Kingdom of Tungning, Republic of Formosa, and Japanese Formosa. Additionally, Kinmen and Matsu experienced a unique history for several years as military outposts of the ROC, further separating the islands from Taiwan in terms of culture.

Official "Chinese unification" claim of Taiwan (ROC)

It's not entirely clear what the official "Chinese (re)unification" claim of Taiwan (ROC) actually is. This is because the official policy of Taiwan (ROC) changes depending on whether the Pan-Blue Coalition or Pan-Green Coalition is in power. This means that the "official" claim of Chinese unification in Taiwan (ROC) is not truly official, since it doesn't always apply at any given moment. The reason that this is the case is because Taiwan (ROC) is a multi-party democracy where people are more freely allowed to express differing views. Within Taiwan (ROC), the camps supporting Chinese (re)unification and Taiwan independence are roughly equal in size, hence why there is almost never a true "consensus" in Taiwan (ROC) over whether to (re)unify with China (PRC) or to push for official Taiwan independence.

This is different from politics in China (PRC), where "Chinese (re)unification" is mentioned on a constant basis. Given that China (PRC) is a one-party state, the only voice which is frequently heard is that of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Due to party dynamics and power struggles within the party, the claim of sovereignty over Taiwan always persists (i.e. politicians will drum up fervor over Chinese (re)unification in order rise to power and in order to maintain the trust of the general public). The authoritarian nature of the party means that politicians are generally forced to "tout the party line", regardless of whether they actually believe in the concept of Chinese (re)unification or even care about Taiwan (ROC) at all. The CCP is enshrined in the Chinese Constitution as the only party legitimately allowed to rise to power (in both China and Taiwan). Effectively, this makes China (PRC) a dictatorship (or oligarchy) by law (whereas, in other countries, there might be a "de facto dictatorship", but this might not actually be enshrined in law). Given that the CCP is the only legitimate political party within China (PRC), the two concepts are often conflated. Effectively, China (PRC) and the CCP are one and the same, since China (PRC) is a "party-state" (that is, the party is above the state).

The Chinese Communist Party usually asserts that the huge divide in Taiwanese (ROC) politics over many issues (such as Chinese (re)unification) is proof that liberal democracy is a weak and ineffective form of government. Given that it is very difficult for Taiwanese (ROC) politicians to come to a unanimous agreement over many issues, it often takes much longer for "things to be done" in Taiwan (ROC). Coming up with a "consensus" over various issues can take decades in Taiwan (ROC), whereas coming up with a "consensus" in China (PRC) can take a single day. Although China (PRC) itself claims to be democratic (i.e. "democracy with Chinese characteristics") foreign democracy watchdogs usually agree that democracy is almost non-existent in China (PRC). Politicians vote unanimously on virtually all issues on a daily basis. It is believed that this is due to pressure within Chinese politics and Chinese society that forces politicians to act in this way, rather than due to politicians genuinely agreeing on every issue presented to them.

Pan-Blue interpretation

The Pan-Blue Coalition officially believes that the Republic of China is the true government of both China and Taiwan. Effectively, this means that; a) the coalition believes that Taiwan belongs to the Republic of China, and b) the coalition believes that the Chinese Communist Party is illegally occupying mainland China, which rightfully belongs to the Republic of China. However, there are many different camps within the Pan-Blue Coalition with a variety of approaches to the concept of Chinese unification.

It should be noted that the Pan-Blue Coalition generally believes that Taiwanese people are ethnically and culturally Chinese, and therefore supports the preservation of Chinese culture and identity across the board. The Pan-Blue Coalition also supports the establishment of stronger cultural and economic ties between Taiwan and mainland China.

Interpretation of the Constitution

Members of the Pan-Blue Coalition present these general arguments to prove that Taiwan belongs to China.

• Taiwan is officially named the "Republic of China". There is no such word "Taiwan" in the official name of the country.
  • On the Republic of China passport, the word "Taiwan" is only written in English and not in Chinese.
• In the Constitution of the Republic of China, which rules Taiwan, Taiwan is defined as "Taiwan Province".
• Taiwan (ROC) and China (PRC) have already come to an official agreement that Taiwan is part of China; i.e. the "1992 Consensus".
• The Constitution of the Republic of China claims mainland China (and Mongolia) as its de jure territory.
• The Constitution of the Republic of China also states that Nanjing is the de jure capital of the Republic of China.
  • Taipei is just the de facto capital.

Interpretation of culture

Members of the Pan-Blue Coalition present these arguments to prove that Taiwanese people are Chinese.

• Taiwanese people are officially defined as ethnic Han Chinese.
• Taiwanese people are genetically descended from China.
• Taiwanese people speak Chinese languages.
  • By extension, the so-called "Taiwanese" languages are just dialects of Chinese.
• Taiwanese people celebrate Chinese festivals.
• Taiwanese people worship Chinese gods.
• Taiwanese people eat Chinese cuisine.

Note that the Pan-Blue Coalition generally disregards the Taiwanese indigenous peoples since they only make up around 2–3% of Taiwan (ROC)'s population.

In general, the Pan-Blue Coalition believes that the formation of a distinct Taiwanese identity is a form of extremism and treason, and that Taiwanese people are actually Chinese people in denial about their identity and ethnic origins. Many camps within the coalition argue that the Taiwanese have been brainwashed by the Japanese into believing that they are Japanese, and that they have now brainwashed themselves in modern times into believing that they have Aboriginal blood.

Interpretation of history

Members of the Pan-Blue Coalition interpret Taiwanese history in this way. This list is chronological.

1. Taiwan was indisputably absorbed into China in the year 1683, when the Qing dynasty of China annexed the Kingdom of Tungning.
   • The Pan-Blue Coalition is generally much more moderate than China (PRC) when it comes to the establishment of a Chinese sovereign claim to Taiwan. The Pan-Blue Coalition generally doesn't cite the year 230 CE as the original year when Taiwan was absorbed into China.
   • The Pan-Blue Coalition also generally doesn't cite the year(s) 1661–1662 as the year(s) that China gained sovereignty over Taiwan.
2. The Qing dynasty was indisputably Chinese. By extension, all of the territories which it controlled belong to China.
3. The Qing dynasty ruled over the entire island of Taiwan.
4. The Treaty of Shimonoseki, by which the Japanese Empire gained control over Taiwan (in the year 1895), was completely illegal and unfair.
   • This argument aligns with China (PRC)'s concepts of the "Century of Humiliation" and the "Unequal Treaties".
5. The Treaty of Shimonoseki was nullified at the end of World War II, roughly around 1945. This means that Taiwan never belonged to Japan.
   • It is argued by the Pan-Blue Coalition that the Potsdam Declaration and the Cairo Communique, as well as the subsequent Japanese Surrender of 1945, legally transferred Taiwan and Penghu back to China.
6. The Kuomintang temporarily suspended democracy roughly around 1947 due to the national crisis of the Communist rebellion.
7. The Kuomintang enforced Martial Law in 1949–1987 as a means to prevent further Communist incursions.
8. The Kuomintang is responsible for building all of Taiwan (ROC)'s infrastructure and institutions. For example, Land Reform.
9. The Kuomintang is responsible for improving Taiwan (ROC)'s economy and turning it into one of the "Four Asian Tigers".
10. The Kuomintang benevolently released its grip on power in 1987 and should be forgiven and supported by the people.

Pan-Green interpretation

The Pan-Green Coalition officially believes that Taiwan (ROC) should not be absorbed into the People's Republic of China. Effectively, this means that the coalition believes that China (PRC) is either; a) a terrible country to live in, with a lack of democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, etc, or b) completely different from Taiwan and a separate realm altogether. This means that most camps within the Pan-Green Coalition support Taiwan independence. However, there are many different camps within the Pan-Green Coalition with a variety of approaches to the concept of Taiwan independence.

It should be noted that the Pan-Green Coalition generally believes that Taiwanese people are distinct from the people living in China (PRC); though, different camps believe that the Taiwanese are distinct to differing degrees. The Pan-Green Coalition is not particularly attached to Chinese culture and identity, but there are differing views as to whether it should be preserved or entirely eradicated within Taiwan. Most camps within the Pan-Green Coalition are afraid and suspicious of China (PRC) and do not support the establishment of stronger cultural and economic ties between Taiwan (ROC) and China (PRC).

Interpretation of the Constitution

Members of the Pan-Green Coalition present these general arguments to prove that Taiwan does not belong to China.

• The Republic of China controls Taiwan but isn't the rightful owner of Taiwan. It is a colonial regime.
• Taiwan is de facto no longer a province of China. The six special municipalities of Taiwan (ROC) carry equal status to the two provinces of Taiwan (ROC).
  • Taiwan (ROC) still has two de jure provinces, namely Fujian and Taiwan, but they are both defunct now and are effectively vestigial.
• The "1992 Consensus" is not a true consensus since it was "left up to interpretation" and is extremely ambiguous.
  • Also, the term was essentially fabricated eight years after the consensus was allegedly created.
• Taiwan (ROC) is only unable to change its constitution due to the threat of violence from China (PRC).
• When the Republic of China established Taipei as the de facto capital of China, Taiwan was still a de jure part of the Japanese Empire.
  • However, in modern times, Taipei has now effectively transitioned into the de jure capital of Taiwan, and Nanjing is now irrelevant.

Interpretation of culture

Members of the Pan-Green Coalition present these arguments to prove that Taiwanese people are ethnically distinct from Chinese people.

• The official definition of Taiwanese people as Han Chinese is a fabrication by the Kuomintang and doesn't reflect the views of the Taiwanese themselves.
• Taiwanese people are mostly genetically descended from China, but they are more diverse than the average Han Chinese.
• Taiwanese people speak Taiwanese languages, which are mutually unintelligible with most languages of China, aside from certain languages in Fujian Province.
  • Chinese languages are really a family of languages, rather than just a single "Chinese language".
• Taiwanese people and Chinese people celebrate international festivals, such as Lunar New Year, which is celebrated in many Asian countries.
• Some Chinese religions, such as Buddhism, didn't even originate from China. In the case of Buddhism, it originally comes from Nepal and India.
• Taiwanese people eat diverse cuisines, with Taiwanese, Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous influences.

The Pan-Green Coalition generally believes that ethnic identity is a personal thing and should not be imposed by the state. Additionally, just because the Taiwanese might be ethnically Chinese, that is not a legitimate reason to justify forceful Chinese unification.

In general, the Pan-Green Coalition believes that that Taiwanese identity is completely legitimate and has developed over the course of the past 400 years of Taiwan's history, especially during the most recent century, due to Taiwan's unique history, distinct from that of mainland China and the Waishengren who immigrated to Taiwan in the 1940s–1950s. The Taiwanese identity has been suppressed by various colonial overlords throughout the course of history, but will prevail in the end.

Interpretation of history

Members of the Pan-Green Coalition interpret Taiwanese history in this way. This list is chronological.

1. Taiwan was first colonised by the Dutch and Spanish during the early decades of the 17th century.
   • During this time, the Dutch and Spanish brought Chinese settlers to Taiwan in order to work on plantations. These were some of the earliest ancestors of the modern Taiwanese. They held a settler or frontier mentality, similarly to the early White American settlers.
2. The Kingdom of Tungning, lasting from 1662 until 1683, was the first independent Taiwanese polity, and is the spiritual ancestor of the "Republic of Taiwan".
3. When the Qing absorbed Taiwan in 1683, they were only the first in a long line of colonisers. They didn't control the entire island, and they weren't welcomed.
   • Part of the reason is because the rulers of the Qing were ethnically Manchu, rather than Han Chinese.
4. The Treaty of Shimonoseki, by which the Japanese Empire gained control over Taiwan (in the year 1895), was completely legal, despite possibly being unfair.
   • The Pan-Green Coalition does not agree with the concepts of the "Century of Humiliation" and the "Unequal Treaties", or otherwise believes that these concepts are fine as long as Taiwan is left out of the equation.
5. When a treaty is nullified, that does not mean that it never existed in the first place. Taiwan was certainly part of the Japanese Empire from 1895 until 1945.
   • It is argued by the Pan-Green Coalition that the only legal way to transfer any given territory is via a treaty. The only treaty which could have possibly transferred Taiwan to China was the Treaty of San Francisco, which only states that "Japan renounces all right, title and claim to Formosa and the Pescadores", without indicating the successor state on Taiwan.
6. The Kuomintang was completely undemocratic and ruled Taiwan as a dictatorship from 1945 until 1987.
7. The Kuomintang enforced Martial Law in 1947–1987 as a means to suppress Taiwanese culture and identity.
8. The Kuomintang plundered the riches of Taiwan which had been brought about by Japanese colonisation.
9. The Kuomintang was propped up by the Americans, stole money from the people, operated sweatshops (which are still operating to this day), and was generally unscrupulous in its economic pursuits.
   • The Kuomintang also created an elite class consisting of Chinese immigrants, giving preference to them over the Native Taiwanese.
   • Furthermore, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has done a decent job of boosting Taiwan's economy anyway, and the only reason why it appears that Taiwan's economy has stagnated under the DPP is because China (PRC)'s economy has been growing at an extreme rate in recent times, making Taiwan (ROC)'s economy appear to be falling behind due to its relatively slow growth rate.
10. The Kuomintang only released its grip on power due to pressure from democracy activists. Originally, it had no intention to do this.

Pan-Blue proposed resolutions

Taiwan SAR of the ROC

Some people within the Pan-Blue Coalition admire the political system of China (PRC) and would like to develop China (with Taiwan included) into a one-party state with the Kuomintang in absolute power, similarly to what was the case historically. Certain proponents of this particular interpretation of Chinese unification believe that Taiwan should be granted with permanent (or very long-lasting) "Special Administrative Region" status (once China and Taiwan have been unified). They believe that this might be a solution to the problems which they perceive to be currently facing Hong Kong and Macau, whose democracy and lifestyles are being seemingly "eroded" by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Given that many people in Taiwan oppose "One Country Two Systems" from their observations of Hong Kong and Macau, this camp within the Pan-Blue Coalition believes that a sort of "truce" can be forged with the Pan-Green Coalition and other camps within the Pan-Blue Coalition by ensuring that Taiwan can maintain permanent "quasi-independence" as a Special Administrative Region of the Republic of China. In this situation, Taiwan will have its own SAR flag (subordinate to the national flag of the Republic of China), but it will fall under the sovereignty of the Republic of China (which will hopefully be ruling over mainland China as well).

Taiwan Province of the ROC

Other people within the Pan-Blue Coalition believe that Taiwan should be administered as a province of the Republic of China once the Republic of China is restored to power in mainland China, and that the "superior" political system of Taiwan should be adopted across the entire country. Effectively, this is a form of extreme expansionism, wherein this camp would like to see the democracy and lifestyle of Taiwan become the general standard across the entire country of China (with Taiwan included). This is distinct from the previous camp, wherein this camp believes that the current political system of China (PRC) is fundamentally flawed and must be replaced by that which is found in Taiwan (ROC); the other camp believes that the current political system of China (PRC) is decent, but that the Kuomintang is the rightful ruler of China (under the name "Republic of China"). So, according to this camp, Taiwan doesn't need to become a "Special Administrative Region", given that Taiwan will not be fundamentally different from the rest of the country. This camp also believes that Taiwan is currently a province of China, but under the Republic of China rather than the People's Republic of China. However, there is a disagreement within this camp as to whether the pre-1949 boundaries of Taiwan Province or the current boundaries of Taiwan Province are correct. In modern times, Taiwan Province does not include the six special municipalities of the free area of the Republic of China, which are Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.

Taiwan SAR of the PRC

The camp within the Pan-Blue Coalition which supports this interpretation essentially believes that either; a) the People's Republic is the legitimate government of both mainland China and Taiwan, or b) the Republic of China is too weak to regain control over mainland China, so it must make some concessions and forge a truce with the People's Republic. The people who support this interpretation believe that Taiwan (ROC) can negotiate with the People's Republic and attain Special Administrative Region (SAR) status. Essentially, the Republic of China on Taiwan will become subordinate to the People's Republic, with all citizens of the ROC being stripped of their ROC citizenship and instead being granted with PRC-SAR citizenship. This arrangement is seen as perhaps one of the more feasible arrangements, compared to the previous two, where the ROC is seen as the legitimate government of all of China. If Taiwan (ROC) is granted SAR status under the People's Republic, then the people of Taiwan SAR can maintain their unique way of life but will no longer have to be humiliated in the international arena (for example, they will no longer be excluded from the World Health Assembly, since they will be covered as a SAR of the People's Republic). Additionally, Taiwan SAR will be able to exploit the immense wealth and booming economy of the People's Republic of China, of which Taiwan SAR will be a subordinate region.

Taiwan Province of the PRC

This camp believes generally the same thing as the previous camp. However, this camp either tends to be; a) much more pessimistic than the previous camp, believing that there is no hope in negotiating with the People's Republic, or b) much less opposed to the People's Republic, and much more optimistic towards a future for Taiwan as a province of the PRC.

Australia Overview

Australia Summary

Main article: Australia

Australia, officially the (British) Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign nation occupying the continent of Australia and many nearby islands, including Tasmania. Australia is considered to be located within the geopolitical region of Oceania, or sometimes within "Australasia", and is the largest country within those regions both in terms of land area and population. Australia's immediate neighbours include Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia (France), and New Zealand. Australia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, possessing a population only slightly larger than that of the relatively tiny island of Taiwan.

History and Culture of Australia

Main articles: History of Australia, Culture of Australia, and Demographics of Australia

Australia's modern history is usually traced back to 1901, when the six states of Australia united in a Federation and drafted up the first Australia constitution. Previously, the six states of Australia were not independent countries, but were instead dominions of the British Crown, whose monarch resides in England, United Kingdom. After being federated, the United Kingdom recognised Australia as an independent country, but still maintained a degree of dominance and administrative control over the country. For example, an independent Australian citizenship was only created in 1949; previously, Australians were considered to be British subjects.

Australia's society and politics have largely been influenced by those of the United Kingdom. For a long time, Australia officially considered the United Kingdom to be the "motherland" of the Australian people; it was for this reason that Australia contributed heavily towards World War I and the European theatre of World War II, despite being located far away from Europe. In the modern day, many Australian institutions have their roots in the United Kingdom, many Australians speak English as their first language (with English functioning as the de facto national language), and Australia still has a governor-general representing the monarch in government.

Prior to 1788, Australia was an independent realm from the United Kingdom and from the "Old World" as a whole, and was home to diverse indigenous peoples who are now collectively known as the Aboriginal Australians. From the perspective of these people, Australia's cultural history dates back at least 50,000 years. However, the British colonisation of Australia has caused the Aboriginal Australian history and culture to have been largely eradicated. In the modern day, the Aboriginal Australians have transitioned from making up most of Australia's population (alongside the Torres Strait Islanders) to making up around 3.1% of the population, as of 2016.

From 1901 until 1949–1973, Australia, as a British Commonwealth, had very strict immigration policies, collectively known as the "White Australia Policy". These policies were aimed at restricting non-(Western) European immigration, and especially Chinese (including Taiwanese) and other Asian immigration, and were ultimately aimed at maintaining Australia's status as a "British Ethno-State". These policies began to be lifted in 1949 as a result of World War II and Australia's new "Populate or Perish" mentality. By 1973, the White Australia Policy had been completely dismantled, and Asians were now free to immigrate to Australia and acquire citizenship.

In the modern day, Australian society is composed of a multi-ethnic "salad bowl" or "melting pot", with people of Anglo-Celtic descent constituting roughly 74% of the population as of 2006. Other major ethnic groups in Australia include (other) European Australians, Asian Australians, Middle Eastern Australians, Latin American Australians, African Australians, Jewish Australians, Aboriginal Australians, Torres Strait Islanders, and Pacific Islander Australians (including South Sea Islanders). Most people living in Australia, regardless of their ethnic descent, share a multicultural Australian identity and speak Australian English as their first or second language.

Taiwan Overview

Taiwan Disclaimer

When discussing Taiwan, it is important to take note of the fact that Taiwan is a heavily disputed territory, one of the most explosive "flashpoints" for conflict in the entire world. The reason for this is because China, which is widely considered to be the second-most powerful country in the world, has a direct and incessant claim to Taiwan. Meanwhile, Taiwan's strongest ally is the United States of America, which is widely considered to be the most powerful country in the world. A conflict regarding Taiwan Independence could potentially involve a direct confrontation between China and the United States, with potentially devastating results.

Geopolitically, Taiwan is located within "East Asia", from a Chinese perspective, or within the "Indo-Pacific", from an American perspective. From a Taiwanese perspective, the culture of Taiwan is highly East Asian, with similarities to Southeast Asian culture due to the proximity of the island to the Philippines and due to the presence of Indigenous Taiwanese on the island, who are ethnically Austronesian. Taiwan is located 180 kilometres off the coast of Southeastern China, with the nearest neighboring Chinese province being Fujian Province, which has close linguistic ties to Taiwan, with many Taiwanese people being descended from Fujian.

Any article which discusses anything remotely related to Taiwan is sure to be met with controversy. Given that the Chinese do not consider Taiwan to be its own independent country, but rather to be merely an extension of China, the suggestion that Taiwan is an independent country with an independent political status, independent history, independent culture, and independent identity, can be deeply offensive to those Chinese people who strongly believe that Taiwan is part of China. Therefore, this article will take note of Chinese concerns. However, this article will focus on the perspectives of the various peoples who live in Taiwan.

Political Situation in Taiwan

Main article: Politics of the Republic of China

Taiwan island is claimed by the People's Republic of China (PRC) as its own "Taiwan Province". Officially, the Australian Government recognises this claim, due to its adherence to the "One-China Policy", which the Government of the People's Republic of China (Beijing Government) has laid out as a prerequisite for trade and other relations to be conducted between the two countries, with the "One-China Principle". Still, the Australian Government conducts unofficial relations with Taiwan, occasionally political but usually pertaining to cultural exchanges and trade, through de facto embassies in Taipei, Taiwan, and Canberra, Australia.

In spite of the PRC's claims to Taiwan, the Republic of China (ROC), originally under the leadership of the Kuomintang (KMT), which was overthrown by the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) in Mainland China following the events of the Chinese Civil War in 1949–1950, currently maintains control over the island of Taiwan, which it has held since 1945, following the controversial Chinese annexation of Taiwan, following fifty years of the also highly controversial Japanese occupation of Taiwan. Notably, Taiwan has never been administered by the PRC, commonly known as "China"; though, the PRC bases its claims on the "Succession of States" theory.

Officially, the ROC (Taiwan) has its own constitution, which it regards to be the official constitution of China, overriding any constitutions which the CPC (Chinese Government), which administers the PRC (China), has made. However, due to pressure from the CPC, is it difficult for the ROC to make changes to its own constitution regarding the territory which it claims, so Taiwanese politicians and presidents, especially those from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the rest of the "Pan-Green Coalition", might not necessarily endorse the constitution. The DPP is the current ruling party of the ROC (Taiwan), having been democratically elected.

The DPP and the Pan-Green Coalition are closely associated with various secessionist movements within the ROC (Taiwan) which are collectively known as the Taiwan Independence movement, which aims to establish an independent "Republic of Taiwan". This movement is significant because the DPP is currently in power, and influential enough that its secessionist activities are widespread across Taiwanese society. The main thing preventing the DPP from outright declaring Taiwan Independence is the fact that the Beijing Government (CPC) has threatened to invade and potentially obliterate Taiwan if that were ever to happen.

The remnants of the KMT, which was the ruling party of China between 1928 and 1949, and which was also the ruling party of the ROC (Taiwan) from 1949 until 2000, having ruled the ROC (Taiwan) as a single-party dictatorship between 1949 and 1987, has created what is now known as the "Pan-Blue Coalition", which is a group of various political parties within the ROC (Taiwan) which opposes Taiwan Independence, and which favours closer ties with the PRC in its current Communist/Socialist state, and which ultimately favours Reunification with Mainland China under a multi-party, democratic government, if not under its own Republic of China government.

Usage of the terms "Taiwan" and "Taiwanese"

Main article: Taiwanese identity

The terms "Taiwan" and "Taiwanese" can have entirely different meanings depending on the political perspective of the person using the terms.

The term "Taiwanese", in its common Australian usage, refers to people who are descended from the ROC (Taiwan), which officially regards itself to be the true government of China. Therefore, in the Australian usage, the terms "Taiwan" and "Taiwanese" don't imply a distinct ethnicity from "China" and "Chinese", but instead imply a distinct nationality. Officially, Australians regard Taiwanese people as an ethnic subgroup of the Chinese ethnicity; however, just as with people from Hong Kong, and, to a lesser extent, Macau, Australians usually make note to specify "Taiwanese Chinese" (as they would "Hong Kong Chinese" or "Macau Chinese").

However, the Taiwanese who support the Pan-Blue Coalition don't actually identify with the Taiwanese nationality. Instead, the Taiwanese who support the Pan-Blue Coalition consider themselves to be "Chinese, no questions asked". However, in order to differentiate themselves from the Mainland Chinese, who are often perceived poorly by Australians due to their (often minimal) affiliations with their Communist government, the Taiwanese who support the Pan-Blue Coalition often prefer to identify as "Taiwanese" when interacting with Australians and other non-Chinese foreigners, because it removes any possible associations with Communist China.

Whilst the Pan-Blue Taiwanese still usually identify as "Taiwanese" in a cultural sense, they only believe that Taiwan is a province of China, and that they are natives of Taiwan Province, China. However, they are still often offended at notions that they are "fake Taiwanese", often supported by members and supporters of the Pan-Green Coalition, given that they (the Pan-Blue Taiwanese) often have strong connections to the Taiwanese identity and culture, just not in the national sense. They consider themselves to be Taiwanese only in the greater context of a Chinese nationality, Chinese ethnicity, Chinese culture, and Chinese identity, but they are still Taiwanese.

On the other hand, the Pan-Green Taiwanese usually do identify with a "Taiwanese" nationality, and they usually support Taiwan Independence in some form or another. Whilst many of the Pan-Green Taiwanese do understand that Taiwan is currently controlled by China, they are often very adamant on indicating the differences between China and Taiwan, and they strongly support the concept of a distinct "Taiwanese" national identity, separate from the Chinese national identity; some members and supporters of the Pan-Green Coalition even support the concept of a distinct "Taiwanese" ethnicity, separate from the Chinese ethnicity.

Indigenous Taiwanese

Main article: Indigenous peoples of Taiwan

Taiwan has been inhabited by various Austronesian peoples since antiquity (the general consensus is that Austronesians have lived in Taiwan for 6000 years). These peoples, prior to the late-1500s CE, had virtually no direct contact with the outside world (meaning they were stuck on the island of Taiwan). Medieval Chinese, Dutch and Spanish writings support the claim made in the previous sentence. The Chinese themselves, perhaps the closest Great Power to Taiwan geographically, only visited the main island of Taiwan a few dozen times (on record, at least) throughout the first 4500+ years of their 5000-year history, prior to the late-1500s CE.

The "Out of Taiwan" Hypothesis

Main article: "Out of Taiwan" hypothesis

It is widely hypothesised that Taiwan was the (most recent) traditional homeland of all Austronesian peoples, based on linguistic theories. It is also hypothesised that several of Taiwan's tribes originated from Southeast Asia and were "thrown into Taiwan" while sailing through the Philippines, due to strong currents. The latter theory is supported by close cultural similarities between the Yami (Tao) tribe of Orchid Island (Lanyu), Taiwan, and some tribes living in the Northern Philippines (which is geographically very nearby to Orchid Island). It is possible that both of these theories are true.

According to the most widespread theory, which is commonly known as the 'Out of Taiwan Theory' (the name is probably inspired by the more famous 'Out of Africa Theory'), Austronesians emigrated from Taiwan several thousand (or hundred) years ago and colonised many distant archipelagic lands, including Madagascar, Easter Island (Chile), Hawaii (US), Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Hainan (PRC), the Torres Strait (Australia), and New Zealand. Before these Austronesian peoples lived in Taiwan, they are believed to have lived in Southern China, with the Baiyue peoples possibly being the ancestors of the modern Austronesians.

The main premise of the theory is that Taiwan was the last common location occupied by all of the various Austronesian peoples, who can be roughly classified together thanks to linguistic similarities. Notably, Taiwan's various tribes (16 officially recognised, perhaps 4–5 more unrecognised) are extremely linguistically diverse while occupying a small area, relatively speaking. In contrast, vast lands such as Indonesia and New Zealand are much less linguistically diverse. This has led some researchers to believe that Taiwan or Southern China must be the "entry point for Austronesians into Southeast Asia".

Of course, this theory could be completely or partially inaccurate, as high linguistic diversity doesn't necessarily indicate that Taiwan is the original homeland of the Austronesian peoples.

European Colonisation of Taiwan

Main articles: Dutch Formosa and Spanish Formosa

The earliest recorded foreign colonisation activities in Taiwan, at least based on Western media sources, were those conducted by the Dutch East India Company, the official trading company of the Netherlands at the time, between 1624 and 1662. The Spanish Empire also colonised Taiwan from 1626 to 1642, before its assets were seized by the Dutch (Netherlands) and annexed into Dutch Formosa. During this period, an Indigenous Austronesian coalition, known as the Kingdom of Middag, established itself in Central-Western Taiwan. However, the details of this kingdom, which was made up of several Plains Aboriginal tribes, have been poorly recorded.

Chinese Colonisation of Taiwan

Main article: Taiwan under Qing rule

Chinese pirates who had no official affiliation with the Chinese government allegedly began visiting Taiwan, using the island as a base of operations, at some point between 800–1600 CE. The operations of these pirates have been poorly recorded, but the most famous pirate is probably Zheng Chenggong, also known as Koxinga, who invaded Taiwan in 1661, destroyed Dutch Formosa in 1662, and established the Kingdom of Tungning in Southwestern Taiwan in 1662. The Kingdom of Tungning itself was destroyed when the Qing Imperial Dynasty of China annexed the entire island of Taiwan, including the independent kingdom, in 1683.

According to official Western records, Taiwan has only been part of China during the following periods: 1683 until 1895, and 1945 until the present. During the first period of Chinese rule in Taiwan, China was under the administration of the ethnic-Manchu Qing Dynasty. During the second period of Chinese rule in Taiwan, China (on Taiwan) has been under the administration of the Republic of China. Taiwan has never been under the administration of the People's Republic of China, and Taiwan has never ceased to be under the administration of the Republic of China. However, the Republic of China on Taiwan currently functions as a multi-party democracy.

Perspective of the Indigenous Taiwanese

Main article: Council of Indigenous Peoples

The rural Indigenous Taiwanese currently have autonomy within their domiciles in the mountainous interior of Taiwan, but several groups believe that the Government of the Republic of China has been encroaching on their territory, and disrespecting their wishes. It is often easy to forget the Indigenous Taiwanese, given how quiet their voice is compared to the voices of the Pan-Blue Taiwanese, Pan-Green Taiwanese, and the Chinese Communist Party. The Indigenous Taiwanese have had a similar history to the Aboriginal Australians. The Indigenous Taiwanese are disadvantaged members of society, experiencing lower average standards of living.

Most of the Indigenous Taiwanese seek more autonomy within Taiwan. Additionally, most of the Indigenous Taiwanese seek more political power within Taiwanese politics, and within world politics. Indigenous Taiwanese have power through cultural exchanges, through their music and popular culture, and through their activism and advocating of human rights and environmental preservation. Within Australia, the Indigenous Taiwanese are perhaps most recognised for the song "Return to Innocence", released by the German band Enigma in 1994, which contained accidentally-stolen Taiwanese chants sung by Difang Duana of the Amis tribe of Taiwan.

Whilst the Indigenous Taiwanese are usually not fans of the Pan-Green Taiwanese nor the Taiwanese Independence movement, because they view those peoples as invaders in their land, they also view the Pan-Blue Taiwanese as invaders in their land, and they especially do not have a good view of the Chinese Communist Party, the Chinese government based in Beijing which wants to annex Taiwan. Therefore, even though the Indigenous Taiwanese are certainly not on the same page with the Pan-Green Taiwanese, they are willing to ally with the Pan-Green Taiwanese against the Chinese Communist Party, as was demonstrated in January 2019.

Yet still, the Indigenous Taiwanese living in rural areas are often in the habit of voting for the Kuomintang party, due to the failures of the Democratic Progressive Party to properly address and include the Indigenous Taiwanese within its own historical narrative. Whilst the Indigenous Taiwanese are generally not in support of the Kuomintang's main political objective, which is to reunify with China and absorb Taiwan into China, the Indigenous Taiwanese seem to be complacent with voting for the Kuomintang in order to fix immediate problems, and as long as the Taiwanese "status quo" doesn't change and the Communists are left out of the equation.

The Government of the Republic of China recognises 16 distinct Indigenous Taiwanese tribes or ethnic groups, but there are several more unrecognised "plains tribes", which have largely been assimilated into the Han Taiwanese, living along the eastern plains of Taiwan. The Government of the Republic of China, under the administration of Tsai Ing-wen and the Democratic Progressive Party, gave a formal apology to the Indigenous Taiwanese for the first time in history on August 1st, 2016, with a Pan-Green perspective. Previously, the Kuomintang had avoided the Indigenous Taiwanese worldview, though having officially recognised them.

The above quote from Tsai Ing-wen shows the hallmarks of a typical Pan-Green approach to Taiwanese history. There is a specific mention of "400 years [of history]" and of successive foreign regimes invading Taiwan and colonising the island, stealing the land from the Indigenous Taiwanese, who are of Austronesian descent. Traditionally, the Pan-Blue Coalition and the Chinese Communist Party would ignore these facts, and the CPC even officially purports that "Taiwan has belonged to China [for] 1700 years", a claim which is not backed up by any concrete evidences; both groups perceive Taiwan to have been part of China "since ancient times".

East Turkestan independence movement

The name "East Turkestan" was created by the Russian Sinologist Nikita Bichurin to replace the term "Chinese Turkestan" in 1829. "East Turkestan" was used traditionally to only refer to the Tarim Basin, and not Xinjiang as a whole, with Dzungaria being excluded from the area consisting of "East Turkestan".

Xinjiang before the Qing dynasty did not exist as one unit. It consisted of the two separate political entities of Dzungaria and the Tarim Basin (Eastern Turkestan). There was the Zhunbu (Dzungar region) and Huibu (Muslim region) Dzungharia or Ili was called Zhunbu 準部 (Dzungar region) Tianshan Beilu 天山北麓 (Northern March), "Xinjiang" 新疆 (New Frontier), Dzongarie, Djoongaria, Soungaria, or "Kalmykia" (La Kalmouquie in French). It was formerly the area of the Zunghar Khanate 準噶爾汗國, the land of the Dzungar Oirat Mongols. The Tarim Basin was known as "Tianshan Nanlu 天山南路 (southern March), Huibu 回部 (Muslim region), Huijiang 回疆 (Muslim frontier), Chinese Turkestan, Kashgaria, Little Bukharia, East Turkestan", and the traditional Uyghur name for it was Altishahr ([undefined] Error: {{Langx}}: no text (help)).

It was formerly the area of the Eastern Chagatai Khanate 東察合台汗國, land of the Uyghur people before being conquered by the Dzungars. The Chinese Repository said that "Neither the natives nor the Chinese appear to have any general name to designate the Mohammedan colonies. They are called Kashgar, Bokhára, Chinese Turkestan, &c., by foreigners, none of which seem to be very appropriate. They have also been called Jagatai, after a son of Genghis khan, to whom this country fell as his portion after his father's death, and be included all the eight Mohammedan cities, with some of the surrounding countries, in one kingdom. It is said to have remained in this family, with some interruptions, until conquered by the Eleuths of Soungaria in 1683."

Between Jiayu Guan's west and Urumchi's East, an area of Xiniiang was also designated as Tianshan Donglu 天山東路 (Eastern March). The three routes that made up Xinjiang werea Tarim Basin (southern route), Dzungaria (northern route), and the Turfan Basin (eastern route with Turfan, Hami, and Urumqi).

=================

See also: Pan-Mongolism

Pan-Mongolian movements in Xinjiang

Mongols have at times advocated for the historical Oirat Dzungar Mongol area of Dzungaria in northern Xinjiang to be annexed to the Mongolian state in the name of Pan-Mongolism.

Legends grew among the remaining Oirats that Amursana had not died after he fled to Russia, but was alive and would return to his people to liberate them from Manchu Qing rule and restore the Oirat nation. Prophecies had been circulating about the return of Amursana and the revival of the Oirats in the Altai region. The Oirat Kalmyk Ja Lama claimed to be a grandson of Amursana and then claimed to be a reincarnation of Amursana himself, preaching anti-Manchu propaganda in western Mongolia in the 1890s and calling for the overthrow of the Qing dynasty. Ja Lama was arrested and deported several times. However, he returned to the Oirat Torghuts in Altay (in Dzungaria) in 1910 and in 1912 he helped the Outer Mongolians mount an attack on the last Qing garrison at Kovd, where the Manchu Amban was refusing to leave and fighting the newly declared independent Mongolian state. The Manchu Qing force was defeated and slaughtered by the Mongols after Khovd fell.

Ja Lama told the Oirat remnants in Xinjiang: "I am a mendicant monk from the Russian Tsar's kingdom, but I am born of the great Mongols. My herds are on the Volga river, my water source is the Irtysh. There are many hero warriors with me. I have many riches. Now I have come to meet with you beggars, you remnants of the Oirats, in the time when the war for power begins. Will you support the enemy? My homeland is Altai, Irtysh, Khobuk-sari, Emil, Bortala, Ili, and Alatai. This is the Oirat mother country. By descent, I am the great-grandson of Amursana, the reincarnation of Mahakala, owning the horse Maralbashi. I am he whom they call the hero Dambijantsan. I came to move my pastures back to my own land, to collect my subject households and bondservants, to give favour, and to move freely."

Ja Lama built an Oirat fiefdom centered on Kovd, he and fellow Oirats from Altai wanted to emulate the original Oirat empire and build another grand united Oirat nation from the nomads of western China and Mongolia, but was arrested by Russian Cossacks and deported in 1914 on the request of the Monglian government after the local Mongols complained of his excesses, and out of fear that he would create an Oirat separatist state and divide them from the Khalkha Mongols. Ja Lama returned in 1918 to Mongolia and resumed his activities and supported himself by extorting passing caravans, but was assassinated in 1922 on the orders of the new Communist Mongolian authorities under Damdin Sükhbaatar.

The part Buryat Transbaikalian Cossack Ataman Grigory Semyonov declared a "Great Mongol State" in 1918 and had designs to unify the Oirat Mongol lands, portions of Xinjiang, Transbaikal, Inner Mongolia, Outer Mongolia, Tannu Uriankhai, Khovd, Hu-lun-pei-erh and Tibet into one Mongolian state. Agvan Dorzhiev tried advocating for Oirat Mongol areas like Tarbagatai, Ili, and Altai to get added to the Outer Mongolian state. Out of concern that China would be provoked, this proposed addition of the Oirat Dzungaria to the new Outer Mongolian state was rejected by the Soviets.

Uyghur nationalism

Uyghur nationalism refers to the notion of a distinct Uyghur national identity, either in the sense of a regional nation or a potential sovereign nation-state. The Uyghurs are a minority Turkic ethnic group originating from and culturally affiliated with the general region of Central Asia and East Asia. Currently, the Uyghurs do not possess their own sovereign state, but they are recognized as a regional ethnic minority in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.

Uyghur nationalism is associated with the Uyghur independence movement, more commonly known as the East Turkestan independence movement. This movement typically aims to acquire independence for Xinjiang, also known as East Turkestan, as a homeland for the Uyghur people. Xinjiang is currently home to two main ethno-linguistic groups, the Turkic peoples and the Sinitic peoples. As of 2010, Turkic peoples comprised approximately 52% of the population, mainly consisting of the Uyghurs at 45.84% and Kazakhs at 6.50%. Also as of 2010, Sinitic peoples comprised approximately 45% of the population, mainly consisting of the Han Chinese (the main Sinitic ethnic group) at 40.48% and the Hui (Chinese Muslims) at 4.51%. Xinjiang is also home to minorities of Iranian peoples, Mongolian peoples, Russian peoples, and other ethnic groups native to China (including Manchus, Tibetans, Miao, etc). The East Turkestan independence movement typically views the entirety of Xinjiang as a homeland for the Uyghurs and other Turkic ethnic groups, whilst viewing the Han Chinese as an occupying and invading force.

Snippets of code

The Republic of China never had any real control over the area, which was de facto controlled by the Ganden Phodrang government in Lhasa. When the republic was founded in 1912, the Kashag controlled about the same area as the Tibet Area, but later also took control of the western portion of Sikang Province; thus for the most of the Republic of China period, Lhasa controlled an area which was near identical to the contemporary Tibet Autonomous Region.

References

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