A decade ago, I had the opportunity to attend an international workshop on Taiwanese Cultural Identity at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. I’ve always been fascinated by the nuanced and sensitive nature of Taiwanese identity. This led me to choose it as the subject of my undergraduate thesis, specifically focusing on the yuanzhumin(原住民), or Taiwanese aborigines, who inhabited the island prior to the migration of Chinese settlers. In 2012, a notable film titled “Warriors of the Rainbow” was released, offering a vivid portrayal of these indigenous people and their culture.
The evolving trade and political dynamics between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan have made the relationship increasingly complex. Despite China’s sovereignty claims, Taiwan has seen rapid democratization and a shift in its population’s self-identification towards a Taiwanese rather than Chinese identity.
Significant developments in ethnic relations and indigenization movements have emerged in the post-war period, sparking discussions on historical memory, language, and community activism.
Following the Kuomintang’s parliamentary majority win on December 13, 2004, Taiwan’s identity has been at the forefront of political debate, encompassing its unrecognized independence, societal introspection, and the uncertainty of its political future.
Historically, Taiwan was initially settled by aboriginal tribes speaking Malaysian-Polynesian dialects. The Zheng dynasty, established by Koxinga in 1661, was eventually absorbed into the Qing dynasty. The majority of Taiwan’s current population has roots in Fujian (Hoklo people) and Guangdong (Hakka).
Japanese rule from 1895 to 1945 significantly influenced the development of a distinct Taiwanese culture and language. The Taiwanese responded to this period through both resistance and adaptation. Post-Japanese retreat in 1945, the Republic of China’s takeover led to tensions between mainland Chinese and local Taiwanese.
Under Kuomintang rule, the U.S. supported Taiwan’s security, beginning a period of anti-communist strategies. Taiwan was governed similarly to mainland China, with democratic elections limited to local levels. From 1949 to 1987, Taiwan experienced martial law.
The 1970s marked a shift in political dynamics, with the PRC joining the United Nations and the U.S. and Japan recognizing Taiwan as part of China. The rise of the Democratic Progressive Party in 1986 signaled a growing Taiwanese self-awareness.
In recent years, Sino-Taiwanese relations have been marked by increasing tensions, with China asserting its claims over Taiwan. Taiwan, under President Tsai Ing-wen, has maintained its de facto independence and democratic values, leading to strained communication and cooperation with China. The U.S. has shown varying degrees of support for Taiwan, further complicating the relationship. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted Taiwan’s effective response and international outreach, contrasting with the PRC’s approach and further impacting relations.
Overall, the last five years have seen a hardening of stances from both Taiwan and China, making this relationship a critical element in East Asian geopolitics and international relations.
Wandering Asia 