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Geography:
The island of Taiwan lies some 120 kilometers off the southeastern coast of mainland China, across the Taiwan Strait, and has an area of 35,801 square kilometers. It is surrounded by the East China Sea to the North, the Philippines Sea to the east, the Luzon Straight directly south and the South East China to the southwest.
 People:
Politics and Current Issues
Internal Political Development
Around 1987, Taiwan’s political system gradually started to liberalise and enter a democratization process with the formation of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in 1986 representing the sole opposition party. The party was advancing the right of self-determination for the people of Taiwan, thus resurfacing the issue of the political status of the island, a previously taboo question if discussed other than under the stance of the unification of the ‘Republic of China’ (i.e. unification with the mainland under Kuo Min Tang (KMT) control).
Despite the severe pressure and military threats from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Taiwanese held their first democratic presidential elections in 1996, electing KMT Lee Teng-Hui. After the democratic independence party won 44% of the votes in the legislative elections of 1997, the second direct presidential election of 2000 saw the victory of Democratic Progressive Party candidate Chen Shui-bian surpassing for the first time the Kuo Ming Tang. This was a major event as it was the first time that a non-KMT candidate won the presidential elections.
Taiwan is now a multiparty democracy with a semi-presidential system; where there is a five-branch separation of power in government (Executive Yuan, Legislative Yuan, Judicial Yuan, Control Yuan, and Examination Yuan)
Chen Shui bian was re-elected in 2004 for his second presidential term but was defeated in parliamentary elections in December 2004 by the opposition party.
In the past years, there has been an increased polarization of politics in Taiwan, with the emergence of the Pan Blue Coalition of parties led by the KMT favouring an eventual Chinese unification and Pan Green Coalition of parties led by the DPP favouring an eventual and official declaration of Taiwan’s independence.
Current Relations with China
After the defeat of KMT in 1949, the Cross Strait relationship took the shape of maintenance of the status quo between the two entities. This was enshrined in a 1979 act that requires the US to maintain the status quo across the Strait by arming Taiwan. Between 1979 and 1995, there was a sustained relaxation of military confrontation across the Taiwan Strait and by 1991, the tensions between Taiwan and China was largely demilitarized. In 1987, contact with the PRC was no longer banned due to the internal political liberalisation on the island.
However, there are constant tensions, especially when there are talks about the political status of Taiwan. For example, in 1996 the PRC conducted psychological warfare through large scale missile drills in response to the growing demands for Taiwan’s independence.
When President Chen Shin Bia arrived in power, he pledged to maintain the status quo but encouraged the liberalisation of trade, investments and tourism, which can be represented by the three mini links of relations with the PRC: transportation, postal service and trade.
Despite these liberalisations, in 14 March 2005, the People’s Republic of China’s National Peoples Congress passed an “anti secession law” declaring that it reserves the right to use force to solve this dispute with Taiwan. Currently, the PRC has a large number of missiles aimed across the Taiwan Strait at Taiwan.
One China Policy
This is the principle that there is only one China and that mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan are part of that China. The one China policy is vehemently held by the PRC, which makes it a key principle in any state’s relation with the PRC. In effect, the policy requires all countries seeking diplomatic relation with China to acknowledge its version of the policy and refrain from maintaining relation with Taiwan.
The position of Taiwan on this issue is more varied. The Pan Green Coalition sees Taiwan as a separate country and pushes for independence, and the Pan Blue Coalition is more in favour of the policy of unification with China.
With this policy, the PRC managed to exclude Taiwan from any diplomatic ties it previously held, thereby excluding Taiwan from international recognition, which the island has been seeking. Despite the political polarization on the issue of relations with China, Taiwan has relinquished any claim to represent China and to claim any territories in China it governed before the Civil War.
The Search for International Recognition
After their defeat in 1949, the KMT ruled Taiwan under a one party system until 1986-1987. During this time, due to the international background of the Cold War, most countries still recognised Taiwan as the legitimate representative of China. However, in 1971, Taiwan (officially under the name of ROC) was replaced at the UN by the PRC as the General Assembly switched to recognise the People’s Republic of China instead.. The issue of recognition in the international sphere has been high on the agenda, especially after the emergence of the DPP.
After the resurfacing of the political status of Taiwan in the 1990s, the government and the DPP launched a campaign for the restoration of Taiwan’s membership at the United Nations. Despite some international support, such as the European Parliament resolution in 1997, calling for more international representation for Taiwan, the General Assembly steering committee decided not to put the issue of Taiwanese membership on the agenda of the general Assembly in 1998.
In the meantime, the position of Taiwan changed in 1994 when the government renounced its claim to represent all of China, changing to one that does not challenge the legitimacy of PRC rule over mainland China. However, the recognition of Taiwan as a state is still not acquired in the international sphere and the campaign for international recognition continues. On 2 August 2002, the political status of Taiwan was also reintroduced with Taiwan’s President, Chen Shui Bian calling for a referendum on Taiwan’s future. He stated that “Taiwan’s future and destiny can only be decided by the 23 million people living on the island”.
Efforts for more representation of Taiwan in international institutions have sometimes proved to be successful, such as in 2002, when Taiwan became a member of the World Trade Organisation due to its prevalent position in the trade market.
However, with the PRC holding a veto power in the Security Council, the recognition of Taiwan is a difficult process in this international forum, despite the island arguably being the most established de facto state.
As of June 2007, Taiwan maintains official diplomatic relations with 24 sovereign states, although de facto relations are maintained with nearly all others.
UN Bid
After the 1971 shift of seat from the ROC to the PRC at the United Nations, and especially after the DPP was created, there have been attempts to restore Taiwan’s full participation at the United Nations. On 8 August 2001, the DPP government of Chen Shui-bian announced the re-initiation of the campaign of Taiwan to enter the United Nations.
The Taiwanese democratic government has been unjustly excluded from the United Nations, especially given that one of the core principles of the organisation is universality, for all nations and peoples, calling on “all other peace loving states” to join the organisation.
However, China is not willing to let Taiwan break away from the status quo position despite Taiwan’s important role in several other organisations such as WTO (World Trade Organisation), The Asian Development Bank and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Taiwan’s commitment to the UN Principles.
WHO seat
Similar to its exclusion at the UN, Taiwan has not yet been integrated as a member in the World Health Organisation (WHO), despite the fact that it has 23 million habitants and has an extensive health care system. Currently, it is allowed to participate in some international meetings and activities but this is decided on a case-to-case basis, and Taiwan has limited access to follow-up information and implementation procedures.
As the WHO is the main organ dealing with setting health research agenda and norms so as to improve the public health system and to provide technical assistance if needed, the exclusion from such an important organ can effect the improvement of Taiwan in the domain of health.
Taiwan has been launching appeals for countries and organisation to support its full participation to the WHO, stating that “since diseases have no boundaries, health initiatives must be truly international”, as the world could see with the spread of the SARS disease in 2002.
Population:
The number of the population is about 23 million consisting of approximately 2% of the first aboriginal inhabitants (including 12 major tribes such as Amis, Atayal, Bunun, Kavalan, Paiwan, Pinuyumayan, Rukai, Saisiyat, Thao, Truku , Tsou, and Yami consisting of over 357,600 people), 14% mainlanders who immigrated from China after 1949, and the majority “native Taiwanese”(including Hakka), representing 84% of the population, descendants of Chinese who came to Taiwan between 17th and 19th centuries.
Languages:
The Taiwanese use Mandarin as their first language; however, they do also speak Taiwanese (a variant of the Minnan dialect spoken in Fujian province, known also as Hoklo). They also have Hakka (approx 15% population) and Fukienese as major dialects; and Taiwan has various indigenous languages.
Religion:
About 93% of the Taiwan population are adherents of a combination of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Another 4.5% are from Christian religions and 2.2% are adherents of other religions, such as Islam.
Culture:
The status of Taiwan’s culture is debated as to whether it is a part of Chinese culture or if it is distinct. After the retreat of the KMT to Taiwan, the government promoted the ancestral and traditional Chinese culture over the local Taiwanese culture with the encouragement of traditional Chinese calligraphy, painting and opera.
However, since the 1990s, along with the political liberalization, there was greater freedom for cultural identity, which saw the rise of distinct traditions in areas such as music, cuisine and opera. The indigenous peoples of Taiwan practice woodcarving, weaving, basketry, and ceremonial dances and songs. The government of Taiwan has made great efforts to promote indigenous culture, including establishing the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines in 1994 and the Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology in 2003. The National Center for Traditional Arts, founded in 1996, also features a variety of traditional arts, such as puppet shows, folk opera, traditional crafts, and lion and dragon dances.
Economy:
The economy of Taiwan is primarily driven by the trade of goods manufactured in Taiwan, such as electrical equipment, petroleum refining, chemicals, consumer products, food processing, vehicles, machinery, cement and textiles. During the 1970’s, Taiwan began to grow into an industrialised developed country, being part of the Four Asian Tigers. It is currently the second largest computer manufacturer and ranks 16th among the largest trading nations and 18th among the largest economy.
Natural resources such as coal, gold and marble have been considerably diminished due to the extensive exploitation during the pre-modern and modern history. Similarly, the cane sugar exploitation declined heavily due to its exportation in the 19th century.
Environment:
Taiwan’s current areas of concern regarding the environment include air pollution, water pollution from industrial emissions and raw sewage, contamination of drinking water supplies, trade in endangered species, and low-level radioactive waste disposal.
History:
The colonial settlement
Despite the fact that there are sources from China indicating knowledge of the island since 3rd century, Taiwan was not formally discovered before 1624 when the Dutch established a commercial base on the island and encouraged immigration from China as source of plantation labour.
Japanese and China’s rule
Following the expulsion of the Dutch from the island and the different battles of influence, Taiwan became incorporated into the Chinese Empire in 1683. In 1895, due to China’s defeat in the Sino-Japanese War, Taiwan was ceded to Japan. However, Japan renounced its claim over Taiwan after its defeat in World War II, ceding it to the Kuo Min Tang (KMT), then the dominant power on mainland China.
This transfer did not please the natives of the island, leading to a Taiwanese rebellion in 1947, against the KMT’s hold of power. This event caused 10,000 to 20,000 Taiwanese to be massacred in the rebellion.
Chinese Communist Rule
In the years after the victory of China against Japan in World War II, a struggle for power took place on mainland China between the KMT and the Communist Party. Subsequently, in 1949, the KMT government of China was defeated by the Peoples Liberation Army of the Chinese Communist Party and left the mainland for Taiwan, joined by two million people fleeing to China.
Taiwan was then ruled solely by the KMT, in a one-party system, and continued to claim sovereignty over all of China and Greater Mongolia under the name of the Republic of China (ROC). At that time on the mainland, the Communist Party established the People’s Republic of China (PRC) claiming to be the sole representative of China including Taiwan, depicting ROC as illegitimate, a position they still endorse.
During the first 40 years after the defeat of KMT against the Communist Party, Taiwan was under one party and military rule, forbidding trade relations and contacts with PRC. Its relation with PRC was expressed by tensions, and sometimes forceful actions such as provocative missiles exchange.
However, the Cross Strait relations were, and still are, being shaped under the status quo agreement. This agreement does not define the legal status or future of Taiwan, leaving it to parties to interpret the situation as a more acceptable solution for its people. Besides, there is an agreement since 1979 to maintain a certain balance between Taiwan and PRC with Taiwan being armed by the United States of America so as to avoid the PRC resorting to violence.
Famous People
Lee Teng-hui, former president of Taiwan
Chen Shui-bian, current president of Taiwan
Ang Lee, director of films such as Brokeback Mountain, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Cho-liang Lin, violinist
Jay Chow, musician
Takeshi Kaneshiro, actor
Chien-ming Wang, pitcher for the New York Yankees
Jerry Yang, founder of Yahoo!
Places of great symbolic importance
Jade Mountain
National Palace Museum
Taipei 101
Taroko Gorge
Night markets
Hsinchu Science Park
Jiufen
Port of Kaohsiung
Sun Moon Lake
Kenting National Park
Yangmingshan National Park
Green Island and the Green Island Human Rights Memorial
228 Park
Taipei Lantern Festival
Main National holidays
Founding Day of the Republic of China (January 1) – This holiday is held on the anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s inauguration as President of the Republic of China.
Chinese New Year (based on the lunar calendar) – This holiday serves as a time for families to spend time together to bid farewell to the previous year and give thanks to their ancestors for the blessings they have received.
Peace Memorial Day (February 28) – This holiday marks the anniversary of the 2/28 Incident, a milestone event in which the people of Taiwan rose up in protest against the one-party, authoritarian government.
Lantern Festival (based on the lunar calendar) – During the last in a series of springtime celebrations, the people of Taiwan create decorative lanterns. The Taipei Lantern Festival is also held at this time of year.
Farmer’s Day (based on the lunar calendar) – Held at the beginning of Spring, this holiday encourages the farmers of Taiwan to make preparations for Spring plowing and is meant to bring them good fortune.
Youth Day (March 29)– This holiday is held to commemorate the death of 72 young soldiers in the 1910 Canton Uprising against the Ch’ing government in China. The holiday is now a time for people to remember the sacrifices and accomplishments of Taiwan’s youth.
Children’s Day (April 4)
Tomb Sweeping Day (based on the lunar calendar) – During this holiday, the Taiwanese people visit their ancestors’ graves to pay tribute.
Labor Day (May 1) – This holiday was designated in order to remember the rights and contributions of workers. Around the time that this holiday was declared in 1923, the ROC joined the International Labor Organization.
Dragon Boat Festival (based on the lunar calendar) – This holiday was originally designed for expelling evil spirits and bringing peace to people’s lives. Later, the legend of Chu Yuan, a patriot of the state of Chu in China who took his own life in mourning for his country, was added to this holiday.
Ghost Festival (based on the lunar calendar) – This holiday is a time when people pray and give offerings to the spirits of the departed.
Mid-Autumn Festival (based on the lunar calendar) – This holiday is held at the Fall harvest, and people traditionally eat the famous moon cakes at this time.
Double Ninth Day (based on the lunar calendar) – Held during the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, this holiday stems from the legend of Huan Ching and Fei Chang-fang, and the traditions of this holiday are designed to help people avoid danger.
Army Day (July 7), Air Force Day (August 14), Military Police Day (December 12) – On these holidays, the people of Taiwan honor the members of all branches of the armed forces.
Aboriginal Day (August 1) – This holiday celebrates the culture of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, featuring traditional performances and crafts.
Teachers Day (September 28) – Held on the birthday of Confucius, this holiday includes a Confucius Memorial Service and recognition for local teachers.
Double Tenth National Day (October 10) – Held on the anniversary of the 1911 Wuch’ang Uprising, this holiday includes a Celebration Ceremony held in front of the Presidential Office Building and a fireworks show at night.
Taiwan’s Retrocession Day (October 25) – This holiday celebrates the end of 50 years of Japanese rule over Taiwan.
Constitution Day (December 25) – This holiday commemorates the enactment of the constitution
Organizations:
Taiwan is represented at the UNPO by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD).
TFD project was initiated in 2002 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was formally created in 2003 as an independent, non profit and non partisan organisation. TFD is governed by a total of fifteen trustees and five supervisors and it represents political parties, the government, academics non governmental organizations and the business sector. Its current president is Weng Chen Li, and its Chairman is Jin-Pyng Wang.
Mission
It was established with an inter-related two tracked mission in mind. Domestically, the TFD strives to play a positive role in consolidating Taiwan's democracy and fortifying its commitment to human rights; internationally, the Foundation hopes to become a strong link in the world joining forces with related organizations around the world.
Priorities
The TFD’s current priorities include the development of democracy in the Asian region, the consolidation of democracy at home in Taiwan, and making Taiwan an actively contributing member of the global democratic network. Taiwan faces intense political pressure from the People’s Republic of China which frequently pressures other nations to exclude Taiwan from international multilateral mechanisms, such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization. Such pressure hampers Taiwan’s efforts to engage other democracies in constructive dialogue and share its democratic and economic success with the rest of the world.
The organisation organises advocacy projects promoting human rights and democracy, research programmes, conferences, publications and educational programs.
It recently held conferences on Burma and the monks protest, on the triangular relation between Taiwan, China and Japan and international conference on Taiwan’s application to the UN.
Interesting/relevant sources to find more information about Taiwan:
Government Information Office – http://www.gio.gov.tw Taiwan Foundation for Democracy – http://www.tfd.org.tw
World Forum for Democratization in Asia – http://www.wfda.net
Initiative & Referendum Institute-Asia – http://www.iri-asia.net
Taiwan.net.tw – http://www.taiwan.net.tw
Radio Taiwan International: http://english.rti.org.tw/ Taipei Times: www.taipeitimes.com Recent Interview of President Chen Shui Bian on the New York Times: http://www.gio.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=34573&ctNode=2462&mp=807 Photos: http://taiwanimage.gio.gov.tw/photo/en/ Statistics:
Area: 36.000
Population: 23 million
Language: Mandarin Chinese
Religion: Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism
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