 Taiwan formally calls itself the Republic of China (ROC), tracing its political lineage to the ROC set up in 1912 after the revolution that started on October 10, 1911, in China to overthrow the Qing Dynasty. The ROC uses October 10 to commemorate the national day, celebrated as “Double Ten.”

 The ROC does not recognize the People’s Republic of China (PRC) founded in Beijing by the Communist Party of China (CPC) in The PRC claims that the ROC ceased to exist in 1949 and that Taiwan is a province of “one China.” (The Qing Empire had incorporated Taiwan as a full province in , when more settlers moved from China to the island.)

 The PRC and ROC do not recognize each other or two Chinas. The ROC refers to the other side of the strait as the “mainland.” The PRC opposes recognition of the ROC and seeks unification of Taiwan with the mainland as a part of “one China,” without renouncing the use of force. In any case, since 1949, the ROC has governed only on Taiwan, and the PRC has ruled mainland China.

 Taiwan is an island which has for all practical purposes been independent since 1950, but which China regards as a rebel region that must be reunited with the mainland - by force if necessary.

 Politics : Taiwan was a one-party state before it transitioned to democracy in the early 1990s  Economy : It is a major producer of computer technology; the main export market for Taiwanese goods is China  International : Taiwan has few formal diplomatic ties; relations with China have improved since President Ma Ying-jeou took office, but tensions remain

 The government operating on Taiwan is a self-sustaining, fully functional government independent from Beijing with its own currency, economy, etc.

 Especially in the early years after 1945, KMT rule on the island was brutal. Taiwan has since become a democracy, but resentment of the KMT runs deep among many of those who were living on the island before the KMT took refuge. Their identity with greater China is weak. Some want Taiwan to abandon any pretense of a link with China and declare independence.

 Critically read the article. Focus on main points, as well as any bias.  Critically read the second article.  Discuss with a neighbor: why would Taiwan want this changed? Can you empathize more with Taiwan or China?

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 Critically read your assigned article.  Discuss the main points with people in your group.  Write and turn in: What are some of the problems facing Hong Kong? In what ways do you see Hong Kong assimilating with China? Make a prediction as to the future of Hong Kong.