Taiwan's History: A Turbulent Journey from Ancient Times to Modern Times

Taiwan is an island nation that has long been the focus of political, cultural and military disputes. Located about 160 kilometers from mainland China, the island has been under various rulers over the centuries and eventually emerged as an independent democratic state. However, China still claims Taiwan as part of its territory, which is a major issue in international politics.

Ancient and colonial era (pre-1683)

(1) The original inhabitants of Taiwan

• The first human settlements in Taiwan are believed to have been established around 6,000 BC.
• The island's original inhabitants were primarily part of the Austronesian ethnic group, who spread throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
• Their culture and language are still seen among the indigenous people of Taiwan.

(2) European colonial era

• In 1624 The Dutch established the first colonial rule in Taiwan and established a colony in the southern part of the island.
• In 1626 The Spanish occupied the northern part of the island, but In 1642 The Dutch expelled them.
• During Dutch rule, Chinese immigrants arrived, settling the island for farming and trade.

(3) Koxinga's reign (1662-1683)

• Chinese general who supported the Ming Dynasty Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong) In 1662, he defeated the Dutch and established a Chinese kingdom in Taiwan.
• He resisted the Qing Dynasty, but after his death In 1683 The Qing Empire occupied Taiwan.

Qing Dynasty (1683–1895)

• Under the rule of the Qing Empire, Taiwan was subordinated to the Fujian province of China.
• During this time, Chinese immigration increased greatly and agriculture and trade expanded on the island.
• In 1885 The Qing government declared Taiwan an independent province.

Taiwan under Japan (1895–1945)

• In 1895 After the First Sino-Japanese War Treaty of Shimonoseki China handed Taiwan over to Japan.
• From 1895-1945 Japan administers Taiwan as its colony.
• During this time, modern infrastructure was built, the education system improved, and industrial development took place.
• However, several rebellions took place in Taiwan against Japanese occupation.
• World War II (1939-1945) At the end In 1945 After Japan's defeat, Taiwan returned to China.

Civil War and the rise of the Kuomintang government (1945–1949)

• October 1945 In the month of , the Chinese Nationalist government (Kuomintang or KMT) officially took control of Taiwan.
• However, the corruption and repressive policies of the nationalist government created discontent among the people.
• February 28, 1947 The people of Taiwan revolted against the Nationalist government, “2/28 Massacre”Known as the "Tsunami", thousands of Taiwanese were killed.

(1) Chinese Civil War and the Kuomintang's refuge in Taiwan

• In 1949 After a civil war between the Nationalist (KMT) government and the Communist Party in China, the Chinese Communists, led by Mao Zedong, emerged victorious and People's Republic of China (PRC) Established.
• The Kuomintang government led by Chiang Kai-shek fled China. Took refuge in Taiwan And there “Republic of China (ROC)” The government announced.
• The Kuomintang government claims that it is the legitimate government of all of China.

Taiwan's modern era (1949–present)

(1) Support from the United States

• In the 1950s United States Supports Taiwan and resists Chinese communist rule.
• Two military clashes occurred in the Taiwan Strait in 1954 and 1958.
• The United States officially declared independence in 1979. The People's Republic of China (PRC) Although acknowledged, Taiwan Relations Act Continues to assist in the defense of Taiwan.

(2) Transition from one-party rule to democracy

• The Kuomintang government initially implemented strict military rule, which In 1987 Officially withdrawn.
• In 1996 Taiwan held its first direct presidential election, marking an important milestone on the country's path to democracy.

(3) Tensions in China-Taiwan relations

• China still claims Taiwan as part of its territory and "One China Policy" Following.
• Despite trade relations between China and Taiwan, political and military tensions continue to rise.
• China prevents Taiwan from gaining membership in various international organizations.

(4) Current political situation

• In Taiwan in 2016 and 2020 Taiwanese Nationalist Party (DPP) Wins, which follows a policy of maintaining distance from China.
• In the 2024 presidential election Taiwan's future political direction will be determined.

Taiwan's history is a story of struggle—an island that has lived under various rulers, endured colonial occupation, suffered civil war, and finally emerged as a democratic state. But its relationship with China remains tense, and how this crisis will be resolved in the future will remain a key question for international politics.