Taiwan independence movement
Movement for Taiwan to become a de jure sovereign state.
The Taiwan independence movement is a political movement advocating for the Taiwan Area to become a de jure sovereign state, either as the Republic of China (ROC) or the hypothetical Republic of Taiwan. It contrasts with support for Chinese unification under the One China stance and with maintaining the status quo in cross-strait relations. The movement's meaning is contentious, with supporters referring either to Taidu (creating a new Republic of Taiwan by abolishing the ROC) or Huadu (the ROC is already an independent state synonymous with the Taiwan Area).
- field
- Political movement
- known_for
- Advocating for Taiwan's de jure sovereignty
- key_divisions
- Taidu vs. Huadu
- opposition
- Chinese Communist Party, Kuomintang, Pan-Blue Coalition
Lore & Background
Japan's 50-year rule forged a distinct Taiwanese identity through shared experiences under Japanese institutions. The movement under Japan was supported by Mao Zedong in the 1930s as a means of freeing Taiwan from Japanese rule.
Reader's Guide
The Taiwan independence movement became a viable political force within Taiwan only in the 1990s, though it was advocated periodically during Japanese colonial rule and suppressed by the Japanese government. The movement intensified in response to the KMT's claim to be the legitimate government of all of China, presenting an alternative vision of a sovereign Taiwanese state. Today, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leads the government and asserts that formal independence is unnecessary as Taiwan is already an independent country called the Republic of China. The Chinese Communist Party strongly opposes Taiwanese independence, regarding it as separatism that could trigger a military response under the Anti-Secession Law.
Did You Know?
- The movement includes two main positions: Taidu (creating a new Republic of Taiwan) and Huadu (the ROC is already independent).
- Under the current ROC constitution, separating Taiwan from mainland China requires a three-fourths majority in the Legislative Yuan and approval by half of eligible voters in a referendum.
- The PRC regards advocating for Taiwan independence as a criminal offense, with serious cases potentially resulting in capital punishment.
- The movement's early roots include uprisings under Qing rule in the 1680s, described as 'Every three years an uprising, every five years a rebellion.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Taiwan independence movement?
It is a political campaign that pushes for the Taiwan Area to be recognized as a fully sovereign nation under international law. Supporters want this achieved either by rebranding the existing Republic of China or by establishing a brand-new state called the Republic of Taiwan.
What's the difference between Taidu and Huadu?
Taidu advocates dissolving the Republic of China entirely and founding a new 'Republic of Taiwan' from scratch. Huadu, by contrast, argues the ROC already functions as an independent entity and that the Taiwan Area is simply its modern name, so no formal rebranding is needed.
Who are the main opponents of the Taiwan independence movement?
The Chinese Communist Party and the Kuomintang (along with the broader Pan-Blue Coalition) are the most vocal critics, generally favoring either unification or the maintenance of the current cross-strait arrangement.
How does the Taiwan independence movement differ from the 'status quo' position?
The status-quo camp wants to keep cross-strait relations exactly as they are today without formalizing independence or unification. The independence movement goes further by explicitly seeking a legal declaration of sovereignty, making it a more assertive stance than simply preserving the existing ambiguity.
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