Seventy-five years ago, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) overthrew the Republic of China (ROC) on the mainland through ruthless tactics, forcing the ROC government to retreat to Taiwan. Today, the CCP harbors deep resentment toward Taiwan, often threatening and intimidating the island nation. But what drives this relentless fixation?
5 primary reasons the CCP resents Taiwan
1. Legitimacy of the Republic of China
The existence of the ROC challenges the CCP’s claim to legitimacy. Since its inception in 1921 under the influence of the Russian Communist Party, the CCP has sought to establish its rule as the sole legitimate government of China. Despite overthrowing the ROC on the mainland in 1949, the CCP failed to eliminate it completely. With all the elements of an independent nation, the ROC continues to exist in Taiwan, preserving its historical symbols, national seals, and traditions.
The ROC was a founding member of the United Nations Security Council. It maintained its permanent seat until 1971, when the PRC replaced it due to diplomatic strategies and alliances, particularly with countries like Albania. This event was a significant blow to the ROC’s international standing, but did not extinguish its presence.
2. Democracy vs. dictatorship
Taiwan’s successful transition to a democratic system starkly contrasts with the CCP’s authoritarian rule. Since the first direct presidential elections in 1996, Taiwan has embraced regular electoral processes, allowing peaceful transitions of power between major parties. This has ensured Taiwanese citizens enjoy freedoms of belief and speech as well as freedom from want and fear, starkly contrasting with the CCP’s one-party rule maintained by force, without any legitimate electoral process.
3. Market economy vs. state-controlled economy
Taiwan’s adoption of a capitalist system and a free-market economy has led to its recognition as a developed economy by international bodies like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Even during the challenging times of the 2020 pandemic, Taiwan’s economy grew, leading in Asia among developed economies. Its significant contributions, particularly in the semiconductor industry with giants like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), highlight Taiwan’s critical role in the global supply chain.
4. Cultural preservation
The CCP’s inability to coexist with Taiwan also stems from the ROC’s preservation of traditional Chinese culture. While it sought to eradicate this heritage during the Cultural Revolution, Taiwan underwent a significant cultural revival, emphasizing Confucian values of loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, love, faithfulness, righteousness, harmony, and peace. This cultural ethos is deeply ingrained in Taiwanese society, making Taiwan’s human landscape its most beautiful asset to many, including visitors from the mainland.
5. International support for Taiwan
Taiwan’s adherence to traditional and universal values has garnered significant international support, particularly from the United States and its allies, who view Taiwan as a force for good, a democratic role model, and a reliable partner. This growing international support in the face of increasing pressure from the CCP only adds to the latter’s jealousy and resentment.
The CCP’s declining influence, contrasted with Taiwan’s unique and admired status in the world, undoubtedly fuels the CCP’s hostility toward Taiwan.
Conclusion: A tale of two systems
The CCP’s resentment towards Taiwan is multifaceted, rooted in issues of legitimacy, contrasting political systems, economic models, cultural values, and international standing. As Taiwan continues to flourish democratically and economically, it remains a symbol of what the CCP is not. The tension between these two entities is not just about power, but about the fundamental values governing nations and the Chinese people’s future on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Translated article
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