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this post was submitted on 14 Jan 2024
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Note: The following is what I heard from a friend who lived there for decades. I have visited Taiwan but I don't have roots there, as such this is all I have to go on.
But as far as I'm told the drive for Status Quo is mainly because the Taiwanese people don't want to pull out the red flag. They'd love to have independence and be recognised as a state but the status quo is good enough (because it de facto offers them independence in all but name) and less likely to lead to a major war. So basically right now they already have what they want and trying to formalise it will only put more pressure on the situation.
That is correct. Taiwanese people are generally ok with the situation and have what we want so don't stir the pot. Also, I realize in that post I wrote pro-China. That's incorrect, both the TPP and KMT are pro-negotiation with China which I am too and I dislike the DPP who wants to disengage. However, technically all parties are against independence.
To add my own personal opinion, I want people to stop talking about war and conflict with China because I think it's hurting Taiwanese businesses. I believe if we just let things lay and don't stoke the flames, Taiwan would prosper more.
*Edit: To expand upon my anger at people constantly saying China is going to war with Taiwan, who would invest in a nation that is going to war? It creates a situation where people think twice about investments. Better to keep our status quo and to stop talking about war entirely. Taiwan is free, this election clearly shows what we do and want is up to us. Stoking the flames of war only causes people to want to visit less and invest less. Taiwan is a beautiful place that is wonderful to visit. But if you think missiles are going to be lodged at Taiwan, you're less likely to be a tourist. This is why I'm on the side of 60% of Taiwanese and with the TPP and KMT, TPP more than KMT but as a third party they get less votes. OK I'm rambling but I think you get it.
Yes I get it totally. I was there myself and it is indeed a wonderful place to visit. My friend lived there at the time and showed me around. I particularly loved the markets with all the wonderful electronic components. Though I believe most of that has moved to Shenzen these days, I was there two decades ago when Taiwan was a huge manufacturing hub. As far as I know it's now more of a high-end semiconductor specialist.
What also suprised me is how Western Taipei felt. If everything weren't in Chinese it could have been a western city (albeit with a lot more motorscooters :P ). And the whole situation with China doesn't really seem to be a big 'thing' there. They are already deciding their own future and that's not really up for discussion. This issue seems to be playing more in the global media than on the ground.
I don't think a war will happen either. China is way too calculated for that. The CCP thinks in decade-long plans with subtle entanglement and exploitative loans, that's also their MO in Africa. Not a shooting war.
Well, Chinese cities will seem western and modern to you as well. I have family in China also. The media twists everything that's happening and well, I'm sick of it. I guess in some ways this is just me acting out.
My biggest issue is whenever USA has beef with China for God knows what, Taiwan gets dragged into whatever is going on. Leave us alone, that's all I want. In this case it's semiconductors.
The first Taiwan strait crisis was because USA wanted to beat up on China for the Korean war. Second crisis was a continuation of the first one.
The third Taiwan strait crisis was similar to Nancy Pelosi's visit.
So from my personal point of view, it's constantly the US stirring up trouble. Not everyone in Taiwan shares my views on this stuff. I'm at this point only talking what I believe.
But we all tend to agree to just keep our freedoms and the status quo.
*Edit I should add I dislike both China and the US and think they're bullies. They're bullies who bully each other and uses Taiwan as a flashpoint.
Thanks for your insights, it's very interesting hearing the perspective from someone who is actually living there. I can imagine you feel used in this conflict.
True, I know, but I don't think they did as much when I was in Taiwan 20+ years ago.