Often when speaking about international political tensions, the name of China and Taiwan come up. Personally, I know very little about the struggles that encompass this part of Asia. China often is spoken in a negative light from an American perspective due to its Communist ideas and oppressive government. After the Chinese Civil War from 1927 to 1949, the Chinese democratic party moved to Taiwan, where it resides to this day. Even with the tension between China and Taiwan, Taiwanese culture continues to show its beauty.
Currently, the issue between China and Taiwan stemmed out of the war when the losing Chinese Nationalist Government left the China mainland and fled to Taiwan. This escape prompted China’s hatred and self-claim to the Taiwanese land. The British Broadcasting Corporation explains the situation as “China [seeing] self-ruled Taiwan as a breakaway province that will eventually be under Beijing’s control.” China is always seeking to claim Taiwan by waging war on it and ultimately take it over. The United States has claimed to side with Taiwan and protect it if China were ever to attack, which has plummeted the two mega nations into a tense standstill. Many propose that if China were to invade Taiwan, then the globe would erupt into a third world war. As of now, no action has been taken, but the threat of war looms over Taiwan.
While the possibility of World War 3 hangs over Taiwan, its people and culture continue to thrive. In total, Taiwan has a population of 23.57 million as of 2020 and is comprised of over 40 ethnic groups including the indigenous Bunun, the Tao, and the majority Han Chinese. Each of these have an outstanding culture that is celebrated within Taiwan’s six municipalities, thirteen counties, and three cities.
Image from Channel News Asia
Among its many cultures, Taiwan has so many delicious foods. Most foods can consist of seafood, pork, chicken, or rice and is very similar to Chinese cuisine. Some food options include oyster omelets, braised pork in sliced buns, noodles with oysters, and hotpot. Possible desserts include sago, ice mango, and other tropical, sea-side delicacies blending Taiwanese and Chinese culture.
One beautiful aspect of Taiwan’s culture comes through their temples and structures. In Taiwan, the main religion has been Buddhism and Taoism, leading to a beautiful culmination of temples. One popular landmark in Taipei is Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, with a large five-arched gate leading to the blue and white hall. In the spring, flowers adorn the outside landscape in beautiful patterns. The Sicao Dazhong Temple has magnificent and ornate details along its roof behind a large square where celebrations are often held. The temples are unique and specifically Taiwanese with their details and heritage.
Sicao Dazhong Temple, Image from Wikimedia Commons
Among Taiwan’s unique indigenous and mixed culture, the Chinese government demands to claim it as their own. Because of the Chinese Civil War, the Chinese government has wanted to wage war on Taiwan. The United States government has claimed to protect Taiwan, creating a very tense global environment. Through the tensions, Taiwanese culture thrives through its people, food, and architecture. Taiwan, though under lots of stress, has a beautiful culture represented through its many ethnic groups.
This a great blog post! I love how you tied in different topics and heightened my knowledge of this culture. I am interested in how you brought up the topic of war and how that has affected the country and culture. I look forward on what you write next!
Another well-written blog post. I enjoyed learning more about a culture I also am not all that familiar with and touched on their political tensions and the impact that have on the country. I found it interesting too how you commented on the US’s involvement has created global tension. Excited to see what you write about next!