I know that Chiang Kai Shek ran away to Taiwan to continue the reactionary policies of the ROC. Although I admit that I don’t know as much about Taiwan and their connection with China as I would like. Has Taiwan always been a part of China? Do leftists in Taiwan care to join China or make their own communist state? Or is Taiwan independence mostly astroturfed? Sorry that I have so many questions, I want to learn more and searching for answers about Taiwan (especially about hypothetical independence scenarios) brings up “China, yay, 4000 years of history… Before IT , the unspeakable, happened!” Ok I’m exaggerating a bit lol but yk what I mean. Any answers are more than appreciated🫂🤗

  • starkillerfish (she)@lemmygrad.mlEnglish
    22·
    1 year ago

    Between 1895 and 1945 Taiwan was occupied by Japan. Mao was at one point pro Taiwan independence from Japanese rule, since back then there was a strong anti colonial workers movement. After Japan capitulated, the island was given to ROC to occupy “on behalf of allied forces” (as declared by Gen McArthur). Then followed massive repressions of all leftist opposition. The ambiguous status quo since the 90s is that Taiwan retains its self governance, but foreign policy is steered by China.

    Right now there are two major political parties in Taiwan: the pro independence DPP and pro status quo KMT. The left is extremely weak and divided. Imho, an independent Taiwan only serves US foreign interests, so would be skeptical of any movement that supports it. Taiwan’s presidential elections are scheduled for January 2024, it is likely that DPP will hold on to the position. Their VP candidate is a former diplomat to the US. It is very obvious that their stance for independence is a stance for cozying up with the States.

    To summarize, there was a period of time when an independent Taiwan would be in leftist interests, but at the moment that is not the case.