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FOUNDATION DAYS IN TAIWAN
THE ISLAND'S UNIQUE HISTORY
Foundations Day in Taiwan marks a moment of reflection on the island's storied past and its development into the vibrant democracy it is today. While Taiwan does not have a national holiday explicitly called "Foundations Day," it often looks to January 1, 1912, as a significant historical marker. On that day, the Republic of China (ROC) was established following the Xinhai Revolution, overthrowing the Qing Dynasty and ending more than two millennia of imperial rule in China. This event set the stage for the ROC to become one of the earliest republics in Asia.
THE BIRTH OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN)
On January 1, 1912, Sun Yat-sen, often hailed as the "Father of the Nation" in Taiwan, proclaimed the founding of the Republic of China in Nanjing. The establishment of the ROC was a bold statement of modernity and reform in the early 20th century. It aimed to replace the monarchy with a government based on democratic principles inspired by Western ideals. However, the early years of the ROC were marred by internal strife, warlordism, and external conflicts, delaying its consolidation as a unified government.
Taiwan's unique and contested status arose from the complex geopolitics of World War II and the Chinese Civil War. For centuries, Taiwan's Indigenous peoples were governed under various regimes, including Dutch colonists, Qing China, and Japan, which annexed the island in 1895 after the First Sino-Japanese War. Taiwan remained under Japanese control until 1945, when Japan surrendered in World War II, and the island was handed to the ROC.
Following Japan's defeat, the Chinese Civil War resumed between the ROC government and Mao Zedong's communist forces. By 1949, the communists established the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland, while the ROC, led by Chiang Kai-shek, retreated to Taiwan. This split created a long-standing dispute over Taiwan's sovereignty. The PRC claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan sees itself as a self-governing democracy.
A DEMOCRATIC ISLAND
Today, Taiwan operates under a multi-party democracy with a presidential system. Its government includes an elected president, a legislature, and independent judiciary branches. Taiwan has become a global economic and technological powerhouse, primarily through semiconductor manufacturing. Despite its success, Taiwan faces diplomatic challenges, as only a handful of nations officially recognize it due to pressure from the PRC.
PERSISTING CONTROVERSY
Taiwan's contested status stems from differing interpretations of its sovereignty. The PRC views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has vowed to pursue "reunification," while Taiwan operates as a de facto independent state. The international community remains divided, with many nations adhering to a "One China" policy. However, many maintain unofficial ties with Taiwan.
Foundations Day serves as a reminder of the island's turbulent yet inspiring journey. It underscores Taiwan's resilience and unwavering commitment to democratic principles in the face of ongoing political and geopolitical challenges. For its people, the legacy of January 1, 1912, and the formation of the ROC are enduring symbols of a quest for self-determination and modern governance in the region, reassuring them about their country's values.
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