Taiwan opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou resigns as the chairman of the Kuomintang party after being indicted on charges of embezzlement during his tenure as the mayor of Taipei; Ma also announces his candidacy for the 2008 presidential election.
Unveiling Taiwan: Geography, Demographics, and Strategic Significance
Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), stands as a vibrant country located in East Asia. Its geographical position is strategically significant, situated at the crucial junction of the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. This unique location places it in close proximity to major regional powers, bordering the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south. The Taiwan Strait, a vital international waterway, separates the main island from mainland China, further underscoring its geopolitical importance.
The territories under the effective jurisdiction of the ROC encompass a total of 168 islands, collectively spanning an area of 36,193 square kilometres (approximately 13,974 sq mi). The main island, also known as Taiwan, and historically referred to by the Portuguese as "Ilha Formosa" (Beautiful Island), covers 35,808 square kilometres (about 13,826 sq mi). Its diverse landscape is characterized by prominent mountain ranges dominating the eastern two-thirds, including the rugged Central Mountain Range which features Yushan, Northeast Asia's highest peak. In stark contrast, the western third of the island consists of fertile alluvial plains, which serve as the economic and demographic heartland where Taiwan's highly urbanised population is primarily concentrated.
Taipei serves as the bustling capital, forming the largest metropolitan area of Taiwan alongside New Taipei City and Keelung, a significant port city. Other prominent urban centers include Kaohsiung, a major industrial hub and port city in the south; Taichung, known for its cultural scene and economic development in central Taiwan; Tainan, the island's oldest city with a rich historical legacy; and Taoyuan, a crucial gateway with its international airport. With a population of approximately 23.45 million inhabitants, Taiwan is renowned for being among the most densely populated countries globally, efficiently managing its limited habitable land.
A Tapestry of History: From Indigenous Roots to Modern Statehood
Taiwan's rich history began approximately 6,000 years ago with the settlement of Austronesian-speaking ancestors of the island's indigenous peoples, who are now recognized as 16 distinct ethnic groups and form a vital part of Taiwan's cultural heritage. A pivotal shift occurred in the 17th century with the arrival of European powers, leading to the establishment of a Dutch colony (specifically, Fort Zeelandia by the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie or VOC) in 1624. This period marked the beginning of large-scale Han Chinese immigration to western Taiwan, driven by agricultural development and trade. Following the expulsion of the Dutch, the Kingdom of Tungning was established in 1662 by Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong), a Ming Dynasty loyalist, marking the first Han Chinese state on the island and a significant milestone in Taiwan's demographic and political evolution.
In 1683, the island was formally annexed by the Qing dynasty of China, integrating Taiwan into the broader Chinese empire for over two centuries. However, this rule ended abruptly in 1895 when, following its defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War, the Qing dynasty ceded Taiwan to the Empire of Japan. Japanese colonial rule, lasting for 50 years, brought significant infrastructure development, modernization, and industrialization, though it was also characterized by authoritarian control and efforts at cultural assimilation.
The Republic of China (ROC), which had overthrown the Qing dynasty on mainland China in 1911 and established itself as a sovereign state, assumed control of Taiwan in 1945 on behalf of the World War II Allies following Japan's surrender. This transfer was affirmed by international agreements such as the Cairo Declaration. The subsequent resumption of the Chinese Civil War between the ROC government and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) led to a decisive shift. In 1949, with the CCP's victory on mainland China and the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the ROC government, led by Chiang Kai-shek, retreated to Taiwan. Since then, the effective jurisdiction of the ROC has been limited primarily to the main island of Taiwan and several smaller archipelagos, including Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu, which served as crucial defensive outposts.
Economic Powerhouse and Democratic Values: The "Taiwan Miracle"
The early 1960s ushered in a transformative era for Taiwan, often referred to as the "Taiwan Miracle." This period witnessed rapid economic growth and industrialization, propelled by a strategic combination of significant U.S. economic aid, successful land reform programs, an export-oriented industrial strategy focused initially on light manufacturing, and substantial investment in human capital through education. Taiwan rapidly transitioned from an agrarian economy to a global manufacturing hub.
Concurrent with its economic ascent, Taiwan also embarked on a remarkable journey of political transformation. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Republic of China transitioned from a one-party military dictatorship, under martial law until 1987, to a vibrant multi-party democracy. This transition culminated in the first direct presidential elections in 1996, solidifying its semi-presidential system of government, which skillfully blends elements of both presidential and parliamentary systems.
Today, Taiwan's sophisticated export-oriented industrial economy is a major player on the global stage, ranking as the 21st-largest in the world by nominal GDP and the 20th-largest by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) measures. Key sectors making significant contributions include steel, machinery, chemicals manufacturing, and, most notably, electronics. Taiwan holds a dominant position in the global semiconductor industry, with companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) being world leaders in advanced chip fabrication, a critical component for modern technology. As a highly developed country, Taiwan consistently ranks 15th globally in terms of GDP per capita, underscoring its economic prosperity.
Beyond economic indicators, Taiwan also excels in human development. It is highly regarded for its robust political and civil liberties, a testament to its democratic values. Furthermore, it boasts exceptional standards in education, ensuring a highly skilled workforce; universal healthcare access, providing comprehensive medical services to its citizens; and overall high human development index rankings, reflecting a society committed to the well-being and progress of its populace.
The Complex Political Status of Taiwan
The political status of Taiwan is undeniably one of the most contentious and complex geopolitical issues globally. The Republic of China (ROC) no longer represents China as a member of the United Nations; in 1971, UN Resolution 2758 recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) as "the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations," leading to the ROC's expulsion from the organization. While the ROC historically maintained its claim of being the sole legitimate representative of all of China and its territories, this assertion has largely been downplayed since its democratization in the 1990s, with an increasing focus on Taiwan's distinct identity.
The PRC unequivocally claims Taiwan as an "inseparable part of China" and a breakaway province, asserting its "One-China Principle." Beijing refuses to establish diplomatic relations with any country that formally recognizes the ROC. Consequently, Taiwan maintains official diplomatic relations with a limited number of sovereign states – currently 13 out of 193 UN member states – and the Holy See. Despite this, many other nations, including major global powers, maintain robust unofficial diplomatic ties with Taiwan through a sophisticated network of representative offices and institutions that function as de facto embassies and consulates. These offices facilitate crucial trade, cultural exchange, and consular services, reflecting the depth of Taiwan's international engagement.
In international organizations where the PRC participates, Beijing's insistence on its "One-China Principle" often leads to challenges for Taiwan. These organizations either refuse to grant membership to Taiwan or permit its participation only on a non-state basis under various names, such as "Chinese Taipei" in the Olympic Games and APEC, or as an observer. Domestically, Taiwan's political landscape is characterized by a dynamic and often passionate contention between major political parties. The Kuomintang (KMT) has historically favored closer ties with mainland China, advocating for eventual Chinese unification and promoting a pan-Chinese identity. Conversely, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) generally aspires to formal international recognition for Taiwan and promotes a distinct Taiwanese identity. In the 21st century, both major political blocs have somewhat moderated their positions to broaden their appeal to the electorate, reflecting a pragmatic approach to governance and cross-strait relations.
Former President Ma Ying-jeou: A Period of Cross-Strait Engagement
Ma Ying-jeou, a prominent British Hong Kong-born Taiwanese politician, served as the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) from 2008 to 2016. His distinguished career in public service includes previous political roles such as Justice Minister from 1993 to 1996 and the highly visible position of Mayor of Taipei from 1998 to 2006. He also held the chairmanship of the Kuomintang (KMT), one of Taiwan's major political parties, during two separate terms: from 2005 to 2007 and again from 2009 to 2014.
Ma first achieved the presidency with a significant mandate, securing 58.45% of the popular vote in the 2008 presidential election. He was subsequently re-elected for a second term in 2012, winning with 51.6% of the vote. He was officially sworn into office as president on May 20, 2008, and later assumed the chairmanship of the Kuomintang on October 17, 2009, a position from which he resigned on December 3, 2014.
President Ma Ying-jeou's tenure in office was notably characterized by a deliberate policy of fostering warmer relations with Mainland China. His administration pursued a strategy of pragmatic engagement, leading to increased economic cooperation, direct transportation links, and cultural exchanges between the two sides. A landmark event during his presidency occurred in November 2015, when he became the first President of the Republic of China to meet with an incumbent paramount leader and General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, Xi Jinping. This historic meeting took place in Singapore and was significant for its symbolic gesture of dialogue between the leaders of Taiwan and mainland China. In a gesture emphasizing a degree of mutual respect and avoiding contentious official titles, both leaders addressed each other using the honorific "Xiansheng" (Chinese for "Mister"). While his cross-strait policies were met with both support and criticism domestically, this period marked a notable shift in the dynamics of Taiwan-mainland China relations, aiming for stability and reduced tensions.