Taiwan is geographically close to China, but the two are becoming increasingly distant from each other.
In the Martial Law era, when Taiwan’s route to democratization was blocked, many lamented the closeness between Taiwan and China, wondering if it would be much better if Taiwan could get away as far away from China as possible, out into the Pacific Ocean.
When Taiwan wanted to treat China as its brother, it refused, believing instead that it should be considered Taiwan’s fatherland. As World War II came to an end, some Taiwanese considered China to be a fatherland. They mistakenly believed that China was the first democratic republic in Asia. They even expected that the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) would somehow become democratic. Some also hoped that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) would liberate Taiwan. In short, the nation in the postwar era was in total confusion and disorientation. Such was the tragic beginning of Taiwan’s postwar history.
At the outset of the postwar era, Taiwan failed to become an independent country. Shortly after, the 228 Incident happened and the White Terror started. The KMT ruled with terror under martial law. Taiwan was forced to be caught up in the struggles between the KMT and the CCP.
The government of the Republic of China (ROC) used education and mass communication to transform those living in Taiwan into “Chinese.” After the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was recognized as the legitimate representative of China in the UN, the ROC was made into “Chinese Taipei” and “ROC Taiwan.”
The ROC is only a facade; Taiwan is the core.
The KMT adhered to “Chineseness,” refusing to let the country divest itself of the China connection. As a result, even though it is entirely different from China, Taiwanese have been left in limbo about their national identity. It is often foreigners who see that Taiwan is Taiwan, not China.
As Taiwan entered a new era, especially after political power transitioned to a party that was not the KMT, the sense of identifying as Taiwanese became more prevalent. Citizens finally realized the vicious and ruthless behavior embedded in the political attitudes and national patterns of the KMT and CCP. They realized the importance of self-development and self-reliance.
Since 1895, when Taiwan became a colony of Japan, Taiwan’s experience has been different from China’s. The end of WWII in 1945 made Taiwan “welcome” China, leading to a period of pain. It was caught up in the prolonged struggle between the KMT and the CCP. China appears inherently unable to commit itself to democracy and freedom, whereas becoming a democratic and free country is precisely what Taiwan wants after decades of tragedy.
The number of Taiwanese identifying as only Chinese hit a new low of 2.4 percent, survey results from National Chengchi University’s Election Study Center showed last year.
It should be emphasized that “Chinese” is a confusing term. Many still use “Chinese” as an identity, including ROC nationals, PRC nationals and those who emigrated abroad and became citizens of foreign countries. “Chinese” as a term only deepens the confusion regarding Taiwan’s national identity.
The survey results show that Taiwanese are on the right path to gaining a true national identity. This is only natural and normal for a democratized and free country.
Finally, Taiwanese have the ways and means to build a normal personality from the foundation of being a human being, a Taiwanese national and citizen of the world. Any political party that intervenes in the self-development of Taiwanese consciousness would eventually be eliminated.
Lee Min-yung is a poet.
Translated by Emma Liu
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