The Republic of China Army (ROCA), often referred to retroactively as the Chinese Army or unofficially as the Taiwanese Army, stands as the largest and most critical branch within the Republic of China Armed Forces. Its strategic deployment reflects the geopolitical realities faced by Taiwan today; an estimated 80% of the ROCA’s personnel are stationed directly on Taiwan itself, while the remaining forces are strategically positioned across its outlying islands, including Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu, Dongsha, and Taiping Islands. This distribution underscores its primary mission: to serve as the ultimate line of defense. Given that no armistice or peace treaty has ever been formally signed since the conclusion of the Chinese Civil War, the ROCA's operational focus remains acutely centered on defense and counter-attack strategies. This includes robust preparations against potential amphibious assaults and intensive training for urban warfare scenarios, directly confronting the ongoing threat of a possible invasion by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) from mainland China.

The February 28 Incident: A Turning Point in Taiwan's History

Seeds of Discontent after WWII

The tragic events of the February 28 Incident, often referred to as the 228 Incident or the 228 Massacre, mark a pivotal, somber chapter in Taiwan's modern history. Its roots trace back to the end of World War II in 1945. Following Japan's surrender, the Allied powers transferred administrative control of Taiwan to the Republic of China (ROC), effectively ending five decades of Japanese colonial rule. While many initially welcomed the change, this optimism soon soured. Local Taiwanese inhabitants quickly grew resentful of the new administration, led by the Kuomintang (KMT) authorities. They perceived the KMT's conduct as high-handed, frequently corrupt, and deeply unfair, citing issues such as the arbitrary seizure of private property, widespread economic mismanagement that crippled local livelihoods, and their systemic exclusion from meaningful political participation.

The Spark Ignites: February 1947

The tinderbox of popular dissatisfaction finally ignited in Taipei on February 27, 1947. The immediate trigger was a confrontation involving agents of the State Monopoly Bureau, who brutally struck a Taiwanese widow suspected of selling contraband cigarettes. As an angry crowd of bystanders gathered, an officer escalated the situation by firing into the group, tragically striking a man who succumbed to his injuries the following day. This act of violence sparked widespread outrage. The very next day, February 28, soldiers opened fire on demonstrators. In a bold move, a local radio station was seized, and news of the burgeoning revolt was broadcast across the entire island, galvanizing a broad anti-government uprising.

Violent Suppression and Lingering Trauma

As the uprising gained momentum and spread throughout Taiwan, the KMT-appointed provincial governor, Chen Yi, called for military reinforcements from mainland China. Under the command of President Chiang Kai-shek, the National Revolutionary Army moved swiftly and brutally to quell the revolt. The ensuing violent suppression resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians, with estimates ranging alarmingly from 18,000 to 28,000. This horrific crackdown was followed by an even darker period. Just two years later, Taiwan was placed under martial law, a state of emergency that endured for an astonishing 38 years. This era became infamously known as the White Terror, during which the KMT relentlessly persecuted perceived political dissidents, and any public discussion of the February 28 Incident was strictly taboo, enforced by severe repression and censorship. The incident thus became a critical, painful impetus for the nascent Taiwan independence movement.

Towards Remembrance and Reconciliation

For decades, the trauma of the 228 Incident lingered beneath the surface of Taiwanese society. It wasn't until 1995 that President Lee Teng-hui, recognizing the profound historical injustice, became the first president to publicly discuss the incident on its anniversary. This landmark acknowledgement initiated a process of truth and reconciliation. Today, the event is openly discussed and rigorously investigated by both government bodies and academic institutions, striving for a complete understanding of its complex history. February 28 is now an official public holiday in Taiwan, designated as Peace Memorial Day. On this solemn occasion, the President of Taiwan, alongside other officials, participates in a commemorative ceremony, ringing a bell in memory of the victims. Numerous monuments and memorial parks have been established across Taiwanese cities, including the poignant renaming of Taipei's former Taipei New Park to 228 Peace Memorial Park. Furthermore, the National 228 Memorial Museum opened its doors on February 28, 1997, providing a dedicated space for reflection and education. The Kaohsiung Museum of History also hosts a permanent exhibit detailing the incident's impact in its region. In a significant step towards justice, the Transitional Justice Commission exonerated many individuals who were wrongly convicted in the aftermath of the incident in 2019, further solidifying Taiwan's commitment to acknowledging and healing from its past.

Frequently Asked Questions about Taiwan's History

What is the Republic of China Army (ROCA)?

The Republic of China Army (ROCA) is the largest branch of Taiwan's armed forces, also unofficially known as the Taiwanese Army. Its primary role is to defend Taiwan and its outlying islands against potential external threats, particularly from the People's Liberation Army of mainland China, given the unresolved status of the Chinese Civil War.

What was the February 28 Incident?

The February 28 Incident, or 228 Incident, was a large-scale anti-government uprising that began in Taiwan on February 28, 1947. It was triggered by public discontent over the Kuomintang (KMT) administration's corrupt and oppressive rule after taking control from Japan. The uprising was brutally suppressed by the KMT government, leading to the deaths of an estimated 18,000 to 28,000 civilians and ushering in a long period of martial law known as the White Terror.

What was the "White Terror" in Taiwan?

The White Terror refers to the period of martial law in Taiwan that lasted for 38 years, from 1949 to 1987. During this time, the Kuomintang government severely suppressed political dissidents, implemented strict censorship, and prohibited public discussion of the February 28 Incident, leading to numerous arrests, imprisonments, and executions based on perceived anti-government sentiments.

How is the February 28 Incident commemorated today?

Today, the February 28 Incident is openly acknowledged and commemorated in Taiwan. February 28 is an official public holiday known as Peace Memorial Day, marked by ceremonies where the president and other officials ring a commemorative bell. There are also several memorials and museums dedicated to the victims, such as the 228 Peace Memorial Park in Taipei and the National 228 Memorial Museum, ensuring that this pivotal event in Taiwan's history is remembered and studied.