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Taiwan is an extremely complicated territory with a rich history
Taiwan is an extremely complicated territory with a rich history
brief history
brief history
Taiwan became a Japanese colony in 1895 and remained under Japanese rule until the end of World War 2. After Japan's defeat, the island was placed under the control of China's Nationalist government, the Kuomintang (KMT). The nationalists, who ruled mainland China under the Republic of China (ROC) banner, soon entered a civil war with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). When the Nationalists lost in 1949, they fled to Taiwan and established their government there. In Taipei, nationalist leader Chiang Kai-Shek continued to dream of one day reclaiming the mainland, while in Beijing, CCP Chairman Mao Zedong viewed Taiwan as the final piece needed to complete a united “new China”. Tensions have persisted ever since. However, through the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States and Taiwan have maintained a strong, if unofficial, partnership.
Why is this important?
Why is this important?
Taiwan is the most likely reason U.S. and China would go to war today! A war between the U.S. and China would not only cause economic damage but it would risk heavy military losses and possible nuclear escalation. Moreover, the conflict would strain alliances, forcing neighboring countries like Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines to take sides, potentially expanding the war into a regional crisis.
US can have its own position, shoukd be made based on US decisions. But understanding the efforts helps US makes the right decisions. Usually, US is only informed about China's opinion
Sources:
Destined for conflict?
Destined for conflict?
A survey conducted by the authors of "Destined for conflict? Taiwanese and Chinese public opinions on Cross-Strait relations" suggests that Chinese people seem to view Taiwan in a positive light but are unsure how to approach the adoption of policies, whether they should be tough or friendly. However, results found that there seems to be Taiwanese pessimism regarding the future of the Cross-Strait relations. Relations were described as "tense" and Taiwanese people's perspective of China from an economic standpoint is "is highly political and securitized" (Kironská et al. 3).
panda controversy
panda controversy
As Elena Songster discussed in her book, Panda Nation, the giant panda has served as a way for China to appear more approachable. The affection from people all over the world for the pandas has aided China in conservation efforts and provided them with a diplomatic asset.
The source of some controversy has surrounded the heavy focus on giant panda conservation. Some believe that there has been an unequal allocation of conservation resources that has resulted in loss of biodiversity. Some claim that other animals are not being protected to the same extent.
The commercialization of pandas through China's state gift program has led to some criticism in regards to trade violating the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. To counter this, China developed the "rent-a-panda" program, which essentially establishes terms for the loan of giant pandas to international zoos. However, the offspring of these pandas must be returned to China to add to the genetic pool.
There has also been controversy over assisted reproduction techniques like cloning. However, Chinese scientists have become experts in the conservation of pandas.
Pandas are an indication that two countries are in communication with teach other, even if the panda loans have political motive. This exchange proves that the two countries are trying to understand each other, which is critical to maintaining peace.
Has taiwan given similar gifts to the u.s.?
Has taiwan given similar gifts to the u.s.?
Yes! This is the Friendship Pavilion in Houston that was a gift from Taipei city. It is supposed to symbolize and strengthen the friendship of the people in both places! They are now linked as sister cities.
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