Taiwan
When I commenced teaching business in Wuhan, China in 2002, all the new foreign teachers were subjected to an orientation by the Wuhan Public Security Bureau. We were informed that we were precluded from discussing Taiwan, Tibet or Religion with Chinese people, in or out of our classrooms. Having great respect for the rule of law, I have never violated this admonition and do not intend to do so here. The purpose of this post is to state my personal opinion and give others the opportunity to state theirs.
Throughout WW II (the second Sino-Japanese war) and China’s efforts to rid itself of the Japanese occupation; the USA lent aid to Chiang Kai-Shek’s democratic Nationalist Government for several reasons. First, Japan was also an enemy of the USA, having conducted a sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Second, the US wanted to support the burgeoning democracy promised by Chiang Kai- Shck. Third, the US paranoia about and vehement prejudice against communism and its desire to help Chiang Kai-shek prevail in the long running civil war against the Chinese Communist Party
After the Japanese surrender in 1945, he attempted to eradicate the CCP, with continued support from the USA.. Ultimately, bolstered by support from Soviet Russia, the CCP defeated Chiang, forcing the Nationalist government to retreat to the Chinese island of Taiwan (Formosa).
The USA continued its hostility towards the CCP right up to the famous Nixon-Mao handshake in 1972. Subsequently the USA has had a policy of engaging communist China while maintaining its treaty to defend Taiwan. There were two primary reasons for engaging China. First, Nixon erroneously believed that this was in the best economic interests of US business in light of China’s hugh population base of potential consumers of US products. Second, the US believed that engagement would bring about eventual democratization of China. Over time, both have proved erroneous.
Although the US recognizes the One China policy and does not support Taiwan’s bid to be an independent sovereign nation, the US continues to sell “defensive” missiles, fighter jets and other instruments of war to Taiwan, an act that strains Sino-US relations.
The US claims to support the reunification of Taiwan and mainland China through peaceful means brought about by the Chinese people. However, US actions belie this claim.
In fact, the US does everything possible to encourage Taiwan to remain independent of mainland China and to resist reunification interests. The US claims it is supporting democracy on Taiwan but this claim is highly suspect. Taiwan is the most forward friendly military position in the Pacific that is closest to mainland China. A friendly Taiwan is the US hope for containing mainland China.
The Taiwan situation is of the US making. The US backed the wrong horse but refuses to admit its error, apologize and move on.
Let us put Taiwan into proper perspective. Taiwan (Formosa) has always been a part of sovereign China. It is a renegade province only because of US support and US missiles.
That is right; US missiles do exist on Taiwan.
Consider Cuba and the Russian missiles incident. Cuba has never been a part of the sovereign US. But when Russia supplied missiles to Cuba during the Kennedy administration, the US was ready to go to war if they were not removed. Why can’t the US see the parallels? China sees US missiles in Taiwan just as the US saw Russian missiles in Cuba. The distance between Cuba and the US is further than the distance between Taiwan and mainland China. US missiles in Taiwan pose a much greater threat to China than Russian missiles in Cuba posed to the USA.
Chinese Provinces are most similar to States in the US. There is absolutely no way any US State would be allowed to have the kind of relationship with a foreign sovereign that the Chinese Province of Taiwan has with the US.
Everything about the US policy toward Taiwan is offensive to China and rightfully so. The US inserted itself into the middle of China’s civil war, backing the losing side, and refuses to apologize and get out.
It is US military interests that fuel US-Taiwan policy far more than the so called preservation of democracy.
Democracy is not necessarily the savior of the world.
It was Communist China that prevented the complete financial meltdown of Asia in 1997 and again it was Communist China that precluded a global economic meltdown in 2009. China’s conservative currency policy and control acted as a buffer against the reckless uncontrolled currency policies of the west. It was Communist China that saved the global economy from bankruptcy.
The US fights a war in Iraq and another in Afghanistan financed by US treasury bonds sold to China. The US 2009 economic recovery act is also financed by the sale of US Treasury bonds to China.
In the past 30 years the CCP has brought great educational benefits and economic prosperity to hundreds of millions of people. There is no western democracy that could have done so much for so many in such a short time. It is hypocritical for any country to criticize Communist China for its form of Government. No western form of democracy could effectively manage the lives of 1.3 billion people as the CCP has done. The US has not done nearly as much for its people.
It is time for the west to get over its fear and paranoia about communism, time to bury McCarthiesm once and for all, and recognize that Communism is here to stay and is entitled to equal respect right along side of democracy.
Having lived in China for the past 8 years, I recognize certain limitations on my personal freedoms that do not exist elsewhere. However, I fully recognize the need for these limitations either from a historical basis (religion) or current need basis (internet access).
The Chinese leadership has determined that the majority of Chinese people are simply not mature enough socially or educationally to properly handle certain freedoms. Having been witness to several public disturbances to the social order caused by the most basic of misunderstandings, I can fully appreciate the limitations on personal freedoms and have simply adapted.
I readily acknowledge that there are injustices in China, but name one country where there are no injustices.
In the west we say “Let a sleeping dog lie” or “Do not kick a sleeping dog.” Nixon kicked the sleeping tiger. He should have known better.
In the west we also say “If you create a monster you must either feed it or kill it.” For those who view China as a monster, forget about killing it. China is to big to fail or to be killed.
The solution to the Taiwan issue is really very straightforward and simple. Recognize that it is an internal Chinese matter and get out the way of a Chinese resolution.
Taiwan has been a part of China for a long time. As the article said, Taiwan issue is the internal matter for Chinese people, so I think it is meaningless for America to sell defensive missiles and other instruments of war to Taiwan.
Besides, on the Taiwan issue, a great number of Chinese people prefer peace to war, therefore, we should have the belief that Taiwan will return with the peaceful negotiation between Peking government and Taiwan one day. Let’s embrace Taiwan. Let’s look forward to its coming.
After reading this article,I think the author have a clear understanding about the relationship among China、Taiwan province and the USA.
Taiwan is a part of China since the ancient times,which is an undeniable fact.Just as the author said,Taiwan problem is China’s internal problem.Respect one county should respect its integrity of territory and its integrity of sovereignty.I extremely agree with the author’s opinion that Taiwan issue it is an internal Chinese matter and get out the way of a Chinese resolution.
I am not interested in whether there is US missiles in Taiwan or not and I also don’t want to talk about it. But I want to tell you what I saw in Taiwan.
I went to Taiwan for an exchange programme two years ago. And from my experience, I have a deep feeling that we are inherently the same both inside and outside, and we share the same history and we speak the same language. As I come from Eastern Guangdong, I can even easily understand their dialect. In fact people in mainland and those in Taiwan inevitably become more and more dependent on each other.
Taiwan has always been a part of Chinese territory, the United States should not interfere in China’s internal affairs,and should not support Taiwan’s independence from mainland China. There is only one China in the world, anyone who is trying to split China will eventually fail.
Taiwan is a wonderful place with a beautiful name. Today, it is attracted by many eyes for politic reason. Now, I don’t want to talk about so sensitive topic. Instead, I really want to share something with you about culture.
Taiwan have the similar culture with the mainland. In language, people from Taiwan can exchange ideas with person from fujian. In food, they eat peanut, salt etc, preferring for light taste. There are many places of historical interest in Taiwan, like Sun Moon Lake, Mt. A-li. I do love The Imperial Palace of Taipei. Those artwork exemplify wisdom of people in ancient times. Last but not least, I dreaming that Taiwan can return the motherland in my life. So we can embrace bright further hand by hand.
The Taiwan issue is the most important and most sensitive core issue of Sino-US relations; it is essentially the U.S. interference in China’s internal affairs. Without U.S. intervention, I think Taiwan is not a problem. Perhaps as early as the outbreak of the Korean War, at the latest after the Korean War it would be resolved. I’m deeply impressed by your integrity to comment Taiwan issue on its own merits and your courage to criticize your own government.
Taiwan is always the important part of China. Taiwan issue is the core issues of the relationship between China and American. The United States should not sell the weapon to Taiwan. The government of USA has violated the sovereignty of China. Chinese people hope that we are able to solve the Taiwan issues peacefully. With the development of China, I believe that Taiwan will come back in the near future.
The Taiwan issue remained after the civil war of China which has evolved into a complicated domestic political issue. Since there are profound social and historical causes behind Taiwan issue, we must try to solve this issue based on negotiation and cooperation. War is the last and unwise choice.
The international relations are founded on the basis of the interests of countries. That’s the reason why the United States uses Taiwan to hold back China. The US arm trade with Taiwan obviously unveils its intention. However, no matter how hard it is, the integration will come true in the near future with the improvement of the overall national strength of China.
When reading the beginning part of your article,I said to my roommate with smile:such article will never pass through the supervision if it is written in Chinese.not until I read all the words of it then I realize the author didn’t satirize or criticize the CCP,rather,he praised the accomplishments of the CCP has achieved in the past 3o years.
Well, I don’t want to make any value judgements on this issue,cause,I just think I am now too young to tell which idelogy or valuas is better.Communism?Capitalism?whatever,It make no difference if the politicians don’t respect their citizens,or fail to improve the people’s living standard or etc…
China,whether acknowledged or not,now becoming a important country that all his behaviors will somehow influence the whole world.I am not a populist,on the contrary,I have seen or heard so many unfair things in the territory,I mean, the country still has a long way to go until he ultimately be recognized as a responsible and powerful country.
Democracy? well,every political party has it own definition,it’s meaningless to augue on it.I hate the piliticians play with political tricks.what I want to say is stopping criticizing to each other.just to serve the people and provide what the people’s demand.respect the inherent dignity.that’s may the best and the correct way to demonstrate “democracy”.
I believe,Taiwan,as an important part of China,will sooner or later reunification with the mainland.the US has succesfully help seperating the two for over 60 years,anyway,One China Policy will never be changed.what I concern most is the way of reunification.just hoping that there will be no war and no blood.
Politics is the game played between politicians,whatever,I don’t care.but whenever and wherever,human dignity and rights should go first.
Thank you very much for your appraise to China. “Democracy is not necessarily the savior of the world.”I do agree with you sincerely.Tanwan is one indivisible part of China forever.Not only Chinese people ,but also other counties’people ,all love the peace very much.We hope that Tanwan don’t become the reason of war.It is our dream to live happily and harmoniously.
There’s no doubt that Taiwan is part of China regionally, historically and culturally. The Taiwan issue is the internal problem of China and a matter limited to the main land and Taiwan itself. US continuous supply of weapons to Taiwan poses a great threat to the peace of the mainland and Taiwan while US claims that they support the “One China” policy. It’s much better for the US to leave out the Taiwan issue and let China and Taiwan handle it on their own.
Indubitability, Taiwan is a part of China, and the truth is known all the corner of the world, we share the same history、speaking the same languange and flow the same blood, we are the brother. All the things that related to Taiwan are internal matter for Chinese people.
On the Taiwan issue, a great number of Chinese people prefer peace to war, and we are believe in that Taiwan will definitely return to our motherland. Our beloved Prime Minister Zhou once said that the Chinese people love peace but we never afraid of war.
Well, I have to say it honestly that I didn’t pay a lot of attention on the Taiwan issue and don’t know much about it. It is partly because I don’t really believe what the media tells us and the last thing I want to do is being a puppet in the political and military game, by absorbing information chosen by the media or the government. But basically there’s a believing, as you’ve heard thousands of times, there’s only one China and Taiwan is part of it. The mainland and the island are born to be together. We love Taiwan and its people, and we sincerely believe that the Taiwan people love us and are happy to be a member of the big family.
There are no eternal friends nor eternal enemies, only
eternal interests. I am sure that when China become powerful enough, the Taiwan issue would be solved peacefully. When the volume of trade between Taiwan and mainland China become big enough, that will make the economics situation of Taiwan depend on the mainland China very much.
At that time, the Taiwanese will support the reunification because the reunification can bring them much more benefit. At that time, China could apply economic sanction to the country which blocks the reunification process. The powerful military strength of mainland China will play a less and less important role in the Taiwan issue.
Taiwan is a part of China. American should not interfere Chinese inner matters. And it’s wrong to sell weapons to Taiwan and hurt the relationship between Chinese and American. Taiwan have the similar culture with the mainland. We share the same history and speak the same language. I’m sure the Chinese government can handle the matters .
Taiwan is the indivisible part of China since ancient times. The Taiwan issue is a result of China’ civil war. So it is our internal matter, which is not denied. Since the famous Nixon-Mao handshake in 1972, America has been carrying the weapons to Taiwan continually, which hurts the relationship between China and America deeply. The practice has proved that if the Taiwan issue can not be solved peacefully, China will be tied up forever. America should not do that in future. It should respect China’s sovereign and territorial integrity. I am sure that if our comprehensive national power is more and more stronger, the Taiwan issue can be solved in the future.
When I saw the title of this passage, I were very curious about this passage and wanted to know the foreigners’ opinions on Taiwan issue. As we all know that Taiwan is a part of China, but the USA are trying to do everything possible to encourage Taiwan to remain independent of mainland China, which had a bad influence in the relationship between China and American and affected the Chinese’ attitude to the USA. I hope the day of Taiwan’s reunification with the mainland will come as soon as possible.
I am not very interested in the political things. However, I firmly think that Taiwan has always been a part of sovereign China. There is only one China in the world, anyone who is trying to split China will eventually fail. Here, I do not want to comment on the Taiwan, US, and China. I want to say, this post is out of my anticipation. At the beginning o f this article, I thought the author would say something bad about the Chinese government, such as injustices, human rights etc during the following text. The author will be the position of the US government as many western people do in my impression. To my surprise, he be the position of the Communist China, even think Communist China is good and right . and he confirms that ” It was Communist China that saved the global economy from bankruptcy”. To be honest, this article changes my attitude to the western people. Not everyone can not admit his country’s error. A people can admit its error is a powerful people.
When I first read the title of this article, I felt curious about the opinions of my professor. When I finished reading the article, I generate great respect toward you. As we all know, Taiwan is the inalienable part of Chinese territory since ancient times, and the Taiwan issue is the internal affair of China. There is no doubt that USA is the most powerful country of all the world, whether from its economic aspect or military aspects, however, no other country than the USA you have right to manage or interfere. What we want is a peaceful world, what we want is a sustainable developing world, and what we want is a happy life for this generation and next. So the west especially the USA should take the proper responsibility as a developed country but to interfere the internal affair of other country in order to achieve dominance, as it is impossible now and forever. In addition, the west should have a correct view of the development of China but manufacturing the China threat theory, as the development of China will bring the benefits to the world.
First of all,I want to give my sincere thanks to you for your just comment on the TAIWAN issue,on the democracy of China,and the truth of China.We learn that everything has different feature from the Philosophy.So everything in China may has their own feature,for example the democracy .TAIWAN issue is is the internal matter for Chinese people,so it isn’t necessary to need American to say anything and do anything.The CCP and all Chinese people can deal with it with a satisfying way.
I recognize politics is the combat for economic interest in essence. Why Taiwan want to be independent of mainland China? Why America interfere in internal Chinese matter? The answer is simple—economic interest. The Taiwan inhabitants fear that reunification may decrease their living standard and the united states mean to take advantage of it to contain mainland. Which side will win? I firmly believe sooner or later Taiwan will return to China. The reason lead to the judge is not merely the patriotism. Reunification definitely brings benefit to China, Taiwan and America rather than spoil the economic development.
I agree with your views on the Taiwan issue. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory whether past or in the future. The Taiwan issue is an internal problem of China. Other countries should not meddle in China’s internal affairs. I believe that the Chinese Government would handle the Taiwan issue and Taiwan will eventually return to the motherland one day. Let us look forward to the arrival of this day.
The last night, a writer had a share in her American experience. Now she is a Chinese living in US. As she said it was a hard time to get the green card.
In my view, America is not a saint although he is trying to pretend to be. The friendly America is especially in favor of helping other countries but just in their interest-relating parts. That is to say America barely cares for himself rather than being considerate of other countries.
It is known to all that Taiwan is an inborn part of China. However, as the kind Uncle Sam, America tasked his mind to prevent the little kid Taiwan to get back to his mother. Actually we can see America in not so friendly as we thought. Maybe we are learning English for money and we also want to live in the way in the charming American films. But all of we love our China and believe in it.
This article is really thought-provoking. Knowing an American’s opinion about Taiwan is a good way for us Chinese to understand the whole issue. I always thought CCP should be more democratic, otherwise the more democratic Taiwan will not come back. But America’s democracy is not the only way every country should adopt. Maybe China’s less democracy is a counterbalance to the America’s democracy. Everything needs its counterparts.
As we all know, Taiwan is an important part of China. Obviously, the reason why American sells weapons to Taiwan is for economic benefits and political benefits. Chinese people would try our best to promote reunification of the country. The day would come sooner or later.
I agree with your viewpoint.Chinese that seperated by the TaiWan strit are of the same nationality,we share the same language ,the same customes,the same culture.This is the most important thing that can lead to the reunion of both sides.
Last century，after The People’s Republic of China was founded，Chinese people had fighted with Americans for twice，the one was in the Korea，and the other was in the Vietnam。The P.R.C always doesn’t want to fight with any county。But the P.R.C never be afraid of any enemy！And I think the USA has known that then。A few years ago，At first，most of American people support their president for fighting Iraq，however，many people don’t support that。Today，though，China is not strong than the USA，but I think any country want to fight with it，they will pay much for it。So American people will not agree to fight with China。And the USA sold weapons to Taiwan which only make Taiwan more dangerous and break the relationship with China because Taiwan is always a part of China。however，I believe that one day the USA will fix their problems as Nixon did in 1972.
Thanks for your article. Different coutries have different cultures and different attitudes towards two different local bridges. So ,I think they can’t see or Judge other country ‘s politic with their own eyes. They can’t interference in the internal things of others’coutry. If not, it’s more chilling.this is just my opinion.
I totally agree with your opinion on the Taiwan issue in this article.I think the relation between Taiwan and USA is difficult to say.Maybe they make use of each other.And the relation between Taiwan and mainland China is very clear:daughter and mother.Just as sometimes the daughter might quarrel with the mother,but that not mean she is not a daughter of her mother.No one could say”oh,she is not your mother…”.So the USA must know that Taiwan has always been a part of Chinese territory.They should not interfere in China’s internal affairs.Just as the article tells the solution to the Taiwan issue is really very straightforward and simple.Recognize that it is an internal Chinese matter and get out the way of a Chinese resolution.If not,they will “as you make you bed, you must lie on it”!
After reading this thread,i just think of the issue happened in this February:the US continues to sell “defensive” missiles, fighter jets and other instruments of war to Taiwan, and China vows sanctions over U.S. defense sales to Taiwan.what the US had done is an act that strains Sino-US relations.and they view China as a monster and thus pose a much greater threat to China.
But as we all know that China considers the island as part of its sovereign territory and it warns that it would use force if necessary to prevent Taiwan from becoming an independent nation. and i believe that Taiwan will definitely return to its home.it’s just a matter of time.
Taiwan issue is a very sensitive topic in current China. Ashamed to say that, before reading this article, I knew little about the real situation about the relationship between Taiwan and US and CCP. Not that I didn’t care about national affairs, but that the Chinese mainstream propaganda just kept claiming that it was improper for the US to support Taiwan to be an independent sovereign nation in any way and never told us why and how they did so. Thank you for telling me the real background. Sometimes it is more neutral to talk about this issue from the perspective of a foreigner. And I really hope the Taiwan issue will be solved very soon. Both Taiwanese and mainland Chinese are the Chinese people.
Since we were a child,we have known that “taiwan is an inalienable part of the inviolable territory of china”.You consult any chinese people about her/his wiev about taiwan issue,and it no doubt that she/he will tell you like this.But it’s just chinese people’s opinion,we don’t know how foreigners view this issue.Taiwan issue is China’s internal affairs,but it’s well-known that there are some international factors impact this matter.So I think to listen more different voice will help us to solve this issue more consummate.
It’s amazing!Your opinions on Taiwan issue are objective and thought-provoking although you are not Chinese.It make me associate the programme “Watch The World By the Third”. Generally,I can not make thoughtful comments on sensitive issues due to lack of knowledge and experience.So,what I should do in the future are read extensively and think frequently.Thanks for the inspiration your paper give me.
After reading this article, I think the author has a good understanding of Taiwan issues and Chinese history of that period, I almost agree with all of his opinions. The fast development of China is witnessed by the world, which is also the reason why some westerners are hostile to China. Just as the author said in the article, the development of China does a great contribution to the world; China has brought great educational benefits and economic prosperity to hundreds of millions of people, and help resist the displeasing of 1997 Asian Financial crisis and the 2008 global economic crisis.
As to Taiwan issue, all Chinese share a common point of view, which is: There is only one China in the world, Taiwan is a part of China which can’t be separated, any thought of separating Taiwan or Tibet from China will be prohibited. Peaceful solution is advised, but we never promise not resolving force in special circumstances. We were glad that the US support the one China policy, but it would be stupid for the US to sold weapons to Taiwan, although Uncle Sam gets a lot of interest from it. In my opinion, the long-term relationship including business and culture and so on between Sino-US should be laid at first position. As Chinese government has declared all co operations are based on one China policy.
It is no doubt that Taiwan is a part of China. But speaking on democracy and communism, that is a different topic. Some Chinese may think there is no such contradiction between democracy and communism, for there are some countries which are neither communist nor democratic and there may be some country is either communist or democratic, on the ideal opinion of course. However, in fact the phrase “people’s democratic dictatorship” is used to describe polity of the people’s republic of China in its constitution. You can see there is even a word “democratic” connected with a totally opposite world “dictatorship” which puzzled me for several years.
Then with respect to Taiwan Island, interference from US is of course a big problem troubling China. But as my roommate said, the democratic Taiwan is more troublesome, for you can hardly find one person who stands for the position of Taiwan to deal with in peace as in the past when it is ruled by Chiang’s family.
By the way, it is very fresh for me to read an article holding such a point written by a western writer.
To be frank, Taiwan issue involves lots of factors, including the history, the current situation, and the international relationship. It is very complex and sensitive. Our government has paid much attention to this issue, however, it doesn’t work, at least, nowadays no one can tell the Chinese people when the separation ends. Most people hope Taiwan and Mainland can join together without war, because both of us are Chinese. We say the same language, we write the same characters, and we experienced the same feeling, in a word, we are family! In a result, no matter how hard the way is, we are determined to move on, until we have the unitary country.
Maybe Taiwan is usually vulnerability for China when we talk about the relationship with other countries .As you know,Taiwan is an indiscerptible part of china ,however there is always intervention by foreign governments, the USA stands out among them .Because the internal point and driving force is national interests.Just like once an Chinese senior leader has said Taiwan and the mainland will make reunion at last.Though I have never ever been to Taiwan ,I can feel the people in Taiwan are desired to the union .We share the same language and ancestors .we have the same culture foundation .Whatever in the long long history of china Taiwan is an independent part of china , the temporary it dose not works well. Honking and Macao are good examples and gave us more confidence .Let us look forward to the good and inevitable news!
EDITOR’S NOTE: tHERE ARE SIX WILLIAMS. WHO ARE YOU? THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DO NOT FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
I’m very happy.On the Taiwan issue, professors can stand the Chinese side.Taiwan is an inalienable part of China .We believe that we will achieve unification sooner or later.But the mainland China and Taiwan have separated for sixty years.More and more young people to identification with the mainland China are gradually diluted.The political system is different，Taiwan’s local government will not easily to hand over their power.With the increasing economic strength,our government should take more measures,resolve the Taiwan issue in twenty years.
Taiwan is a great part of China . Any activities what divide Taiwan from mainland China are cast aside by people who love world pace . As inretnal affairs of China , I donnot think other governments and oranizations have rights to interfere it . The issue about Taiwan is left by history , It is not a ldeology issue . People all over China have confidence that our government can slove the issue about Taiwan perfectly .
First, I am very thank Dr. Martin introduces the history of Taiwan and indicts the different attitude between China and American toward the issue of Taiwan in the neutral way. We of course admit that Taiwan is the part of china and cannot tolerant anybody attempts to split it from the mother land. Obviously, the location of Taiwan is so important in the area of Pacific Ocean that the American try to control it considering its behalf in here and our Party on the one hand is eager to put Taiwan in home on the behalf of 13 million people on one the other hand prevents any nation or person doing the damaged action. I am quite sure that in the future Taiwan will come back and our Party has the enough capacity to solute this historic issue.
I am very appreciate the author because his opinion about Taiwan issue is on the side of China’s angels. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, Taiwan issue is the internal matter of China and the other country should not involve. I believe we can slove Taiwan issue in our own manners by ourselves. Intervening in our domestic affairs will destory the friendship of China and the west, I think that is what we all do not want to see.
I agree with your points of view on the Taiwan issue, Mr Wolff. As it is mentioned in the article, the triangle ralationship of China mainland, Taiwan province and the US is complicated. But there is no doubt that Taiwan is always an indivisible part of China. The Taiwan issue is internal affairs of China and the US’s interfering would make such affairs more complex. As a Chinese, I always believe that we can solve all these problems on our own in the not-too-distant future, and frankly speaking, I really feel uncomfortable that the super power pays too much attention on the internal affairs of our country. However, your article let me know that not every Ameican hold the same attitude to the Taiwan issue as their government. Thank you for your friendliness and impartiality.
I agree with the professor’s opinion above. For the USA, Taiwan is important for its military arrangement in East Asia. So democracy is just an excuse. However, Taiwan is a military strategic point for China as well. The coastline of China is a very long. Once Taiwan is occupied, the mainland of China will be fully exposed to the enemy. If there is a war, most of military strategies of China will be invalid by such a short distance, and the large scale of Mainland China will be much more difficult to protect. So the independence of Taiwan is impossible. And the USA had better to stay out of internal Chinese matter.
I get the main impression from media that many people in the developed western democratic countries have little interested in the polity. Because they may consider the polity is dirty and tricky, no matter what the politician said and done.
However, there is something different in China. In the tradition, Chinese people concern virtues of the rulers seriously. The legitimacy of the dominant is not the origin of political power, but the practice of the government. If the government can not provide good service for the people, they may fight eventually and the revolution will break. Of course, this statement sounds too radical and incredibility. But I believe it is the best explanation to the failure of Chiang Kai-Shek’s democratic Nationalist Government. CCP have ruled over sixty years. This very fact can explain by itself the situation of China at present, although I acknowledge there are still many injustices in China. The key point here is not the question whether the political constitution is democratic, but the reality whether the government serve for the people.
I do feel interested in the problem of TAIWAN. It is no doubt that your comment is objectively and right. America should hold the responsibility to the problem of TAIWAN, and it can’t continue to sale dangerous arms to TAIWAN. After sixty years’ separation, people between TAIWAN and mainland become more and more different. It will take a long time for Chinese people to fulfill the dream of unity and peace.
“If you create a monster you must either feed it or kill it.” It is true, but why we must view others to be a monster? I couldn’t appreciate this saying exactly. In fact, we should try to know about different culture and countries, not to treat them unfairly for own interest. If we can communicate with each other equally and reasonably in the international political world, the peace and flourish wouldn’t be so far.
Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory since ancient times. Although the two sides of the Taiwan Straits have been split since 1949 by a civil war, the political confrontation between them did not change the fact that they belonged to one China. The mainly factors due to the Taiwan question has not been settled for such a long period, one is the intervention of foreign forces, especially the US, and the other is the obstruction of the separatist forces in Taiwan. Taiwan question is a matter of China’s internal affairs, it shouldn’t be interfered by the other countries. Though it still be a long way to go, I believe that the total reunification of China will be achieved one day.
Thanks for the author’s friendliness to China.
There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. Now the relation between China mainland and Taiwan has improved a lot, for example, people in China mainland can go to Taiwan for traveling. I do hope and believe that one day Taiwan will be reunited with the motherland in the future.
People love their country just as they love their mother. Yes, I love China. Though there is something not perfect and needed to be improved, I still love her very much.
As for the relation between China and America, I think every country has its own interests. Sometimes conflicts are unavoidable. But I believe that the main trend is to cooperate with each other to gain a “win-win” situation.
Government of each country are aimed at serving the interests of their own. When the inter-State conflict of interest arises, both China and U.S. will make every effort to safeguard their national interests.
The United States worried that China’s rise would endanger their international status. Therefore, the United States use Taiwan and Tibet to contain China.
Mutual trust among countries are needed to maintain world peace. Mutual suspicion does not help to establish good international relations between countries.
Refer to Taiwan; I always remember what the textbook tells us: Taiwan is a part of China since ancient times, we and the people of Taiwan are blood linkage. As a simple student, I never go to Taiwan; I never have a communication with Taiwan people. However, I get to know them and like them through many TV-programs and other programs. Taiwan people are certainly Chinese people; we are compatriots with flesh and blood. Moreover, both sides of the Taiwan Strait need to cooperate to create win-win situation on business.
My grandmother told me that her father had been gone to Taiwan in 1942 when I was a child, sometimes I will think that he may be setter down Taiwan and have his new family, so I hope that one day the Taiwan issue will be solved in a peaceful and pleasant way. I could have a chance to look for my dear relatives.
The United States always think of themselves as promoters of democracy around the world, and has always believed that the U.S. model of democracy is the most advanced and most perfect system in the world, and vowed to make every countries have adopted such a system.
I think that Americans are so arrogant. Every nation and country has a system suited to their national conditions. I know that the U.S. system of democracy is a very good system only for the United States. However, the system is certainly not suitable for China, nor suits to the African countries, or even not suits the United Kingdom. The Taiwan issue is the legacy problem arising from the United States promoters the U.S. democracy around the world. Of course, these are historical problems, we should look forward. China’s system is increasingly demonstrating its superiority.
It’s hard to say whether TaiWan is a part of China. It’s politics. As I see, it’s not imporant to discuss how the Mainland to reoccupy the Taiwan. No war should be started. Mainland people and Taiwan people source from the same ancestor, sharing the same culture. Maybe they can live together harmoniously. The only problem should be solved is the problem of democracy.