Taiwan's political and economic systems differ greatly from those of China, During the late 1990's the People's Republic of China began speaking of "one country, two systems." Under this principle, China took control of Hong Kong —long a British colony—in 1997. China would like to apply the same principle to taking over Taiwan.
The view of the KMT has been that the "one country, two systems" formula will not work for Taiwan. Many in Taiwan would like to see Taiwan and mainland China reunify, but only after the PRC becomes more democratic, freer, and more prosperous. Others, including many supporters of the DPP, would like Taiwan to break away completely from the mainland but are afraid of military invasion if Taiwan tries to do so.
Although Taiwan is heavily armed and fortified, the mainland Chinese could probably force the Taiwanese to reunite with the mainland if it were not for the support of the United States for Taiwan. The United States has attempted to convince the leaders of the People's Republic of China that if the mainland invades, American forces will become involved in the fight. In April, 2001, U. S. president George W. Bush reiterated American support for
Taiwan when he agreed to supply the island nation with a wide range of weapons and military goods that the Taiwanese could use against an attack from the Chinese mainland.
Many people in China, Taiwan, and other nations want to dissolve enmity through communications and replace confrontation with consultation. Few are willing to predict how long that may take.
George C. Y. Wang Updated by the Editors
World History
