Taiwan One Step Closer to China and the World

From Vicky Fan

The political situation between Taiwan and China is very unique. A lot of people still think Taiwan is part of China, or they don’t even know Taiwan’s existence. Beginning of 19th century, Nationalist (the party pursuing democracy) was the dominated party in China, and after China won the war with Japan, the other political power grew dramatically. In 1949, Communist party took over China, and Nationalist (KMT) retreated from Mainland China and moved the Republic of China government from Nanjing to Taiwan, Taipei.
Since then, Taiwan pretty much acts independently. Taiwan has their own elected President, constitution, government, military, and it’s an entirely democracy country just like the United States. On the other hand, China has been so powerful internationally, and China oppressed Taiwan in the international panel. As a result, Taiwan can’t join UN, WTO, and many other world organizations because of China. Of course, so far, there is no regular direct flight from Taiwan to China, and China’s touristy is not allowed to come to Taiwan.
Since the year 2000, Taiwan people have elected the President, Chen Shui-bian from the opposition party-DDP of KMT. DDP’s ultimate goal is Taiwan Independent movement. Since 2000-2008 Taiwan has been pressure by China more than before, and the former President Chen liked to bring the tension between China and Taiwan. Besides that, Chen’s entire government system was so corrupted, and many evident have found that he and his governors have stolen trillion’s US dollars which now are under the investigation.
In May 2008, the new President-Ma Yung-jeou from KMT has been elected, and he’s international policy is more open to China and also to the world. The biggest news between China and Taiwan now that China is sending the chief negotiator, Chen Yunlin, to Taiwan to sign business agreements, and it shows China is willing to be friendlier to Taiwan as long as Taiwan has no tendency to be independent. This agreement allows a total 108 roundtrip passenger flights between China’s cities each week, and it will be the first time that goods are able to travel nonstop between Taiwan and China. Also many business trades in this agreement as well. All the deals indicate in the article- “China and Taiwan to Expand Flight Roster.”
As a Taiwanese, I am glad Taiwan is one step toward back to the international panel. I am also very curious how China and Taiwan’s relationship will be. Personally, I do not want Taiwan to be independent because there is no benefit while Taiwan to be independent. Also China indicates clearly that they will use military power against Taiwan if Taiwan declare independent. All I think, Taiwan is a successful country as it is, and with the business collaboration with China, I believe there are much more benefits than harm to Taiwan overall.