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| Taiwanese independence | |
|---|---|
| Name | Taiwanese independence movement |
| Native name | 臺灣獨立運動 |
| Caption | Flag used by supporters of a distinct Taiwanese polity |
| Founder | * Tangwai * Democratic Progressive Party |
| Founded | 1970s–1980s |
| Ideology | * Taiwanese nationalism * Republic of Taiwan advocacy |
| Headquarters | Taipei |
| Country | Taiwan |
Taiwanese independence is a political movement advocating for the formal separation of the territory commonly called Taiwan from the political framework established by the Republic of China since 1912 and the claims stemming from the People's Republic of China's position after 1949. The movement intersects with debates about sovereignty, self-determination under international law, and identity politics involving historical ties to Qing dynasty, Japanese rule in Taiwan, and postwar administrations. Supporters range from advocates of a unilateral declaration to proponents of de jure statehood under a distinct constitutional framework.
The movement emerged from late 19th- and 20th-century events including the First Sino-Japanese War, the Treaty of Shimonoseki, and the transition during Japanese rule in Taiwan (1895–1945) when local elites interacted with Meiji Japan. After World War II, the Cairo Conference and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender framed the transfer of control leading to tensions during the February 28 Incident and the ensuing period of White Terror under Chiang Kai-shek's Kuomintang. In the 1970s and 1980s, movements such as Tangwai and later the Democratic Progressive Party pushed for democratization, exemplified by the lifting of martial law and the 1992–1996 legislative developments culminating in the first direct Taiwanese presidential election. Key episodes shaping the movement include the 1995–1996 Taiwan Strait crisis, the 2000 inauguration of Chen Shui-bian, and landmark referenda debates tied to cross-strait relations with the People's Republic of China.
Proponents base claims on principles visible in documents like the Cairo Declaration and postwar instruments, while opponents emphasize continuity claims rooted in the Treaty of Shimonoseki and the constitutional framework of the Republic of China. Legal debates reference jurisprudence from institutions such as the International Court of Justice and discussions during sessions of the United Nations General Assembly, including the implications of UN Resolution 2758. Competing constitutional arguments involve interpretations of the ROC Constitution and proposals for a new legal order modeled on constitutions of states like the United States or Japan. Legal scholars cite precedents including the San Francisco Peace Treaty and cases considered during disputes over recognition between South Korea and Japan.
Political parties central to the discussion include the Democratic Progressive Party, the Kuomintang, the People First Party, and smaller entities such as the New Power Party. Electoral milestones—1996 Taiwanese presidential election, 2000 Taiwanese presidential election, and subsequent contests—have shaped policy platforms. Public opinion measured in surveys by organizations like the Election Study Center at National Chengchi University shows fluctuating support for various statuses, influenced by generational differences, economic ties with China, and events such as the Sunflower Student Movement and mass protests in Taipei and other cities. Civil society actors including Taiwanese Association for Human Rights and student groups have played roles in referenda and legislative campaigns.
Cross-strait diplomacy involves interactions among the People's Republic of China, the United States, and regional actors including Japan and members of the European Union. Formal recognition issues reference relationships severed following UN Resolution 2758 and bilateral shifts like the Washington-Beijing opening culminating in the Shanghai Communiqué. Key diplomatic events include visits by high-level officials to locations such as Washington, D.C. and Taipei, and agreements mediated through organizations such as the Straits Exchange Foundation. External supporters and critics of independence invoke instruments like the Taiwan Relations Act and statements from administrations in Washington, D.C. and parliamentary bodies in places such as Tokyo and Brussels.
Security discussions involve the Republic of China Armed Forces and defense procurement from suppliers in United States and other partners. Historic confrontations like the 1995–1996 Taiwan Strait crisis underscore risks associated with unilateral steps. Military doctrines reference scenarios involving PLA Rocket Force capabilities, naval encounters in the Taiwan Strait, and contingency planning by commands such as the United States Indo-Pacific Command. Defense debates also touch on asymmetric warfare strategies, procurement of systems like Patriot missile batteries, and cooperation in exercises involving partners including Australia and Japan.
Economic considerations weigh the impact on trade ties with People's Republic of China, investment flows from multinational corporations, and participation in bodies like the World Trade Organization and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. Sectors such as semiconductors—with firms like TSMC—and shipping through ports like Kaohsiung factor into assessments of sanctions risk and market access. Social policy effects engage stakeholders including labor unions, business chambers such as the Chinese National Federation of Industries, and diaspora networks in hubs like San Francisco and Singapore.
Identity debates draw on histories of migration from Fujian and Guangdong, indigenous peoples recognized in laws affecting groups such as the Amis and Paiwan, and cultural legacies of Japanese rule in Taiwan. Movements for language preservation promote tongues like Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka language, and forms of Formosan languages alongside Mandarin usage. Cultural institutions including the National Palace Museum and festivals in cities such as Tainan reflect contested narratives about heritage, memory, and claims to distinctiveness.