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TAIWAN. Two gov’ts claim to rule China – the CCP on the mainland and the Nationalist party in Taiwan Neither gov’t has control over the other’s territory but both agree Taiwan is a province of China. Until 1971, Taiwan represented China in international affairs
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Two gov’ts claim to rule China – the CCP on the mainland and the Nationalist party in Taiwan • Neither gov’t has control over the other’s territory but both agree Taiwan is a province of China
Until 1971, Taiwan represented China in international affairs • In 1971, the U.N. officially recognized the PRC as the legitimate gov’t of China • Reunification with the mainland remains CCP’s top foreign policy goal
1979 – Taiwan Relations Act signed between U.S. & Taiwan • U.S. promised to provide defensive weapons to Taipei to maintain balance of power w/the mainland • Taiwanese gov’t has no interest in being absorbed by China
By late 1980s, Taiwan became major industrial power (often referred to as “little Japan”) • Good economic relationship with China but poor political one • Current KMT administration is in favor of improving relations w/Beijing • Most support status quo
CHINA-TAIWAN RELATIONS • Ruled separately since end of Chinese civil war in 1949 • China considers the island part of its territory • China has offered a "one country, two systems" solution, like Hong Kong • Most in Taiwan support status quo • Relations between Beijing and Taipei have been improving in recent years since pro-Beijing President Ma Ying-jeou took power in Taiwan