Opinion: 'Taiwanese Independence' is a Chinese Word Game

The concept of "Taiwanese independence" is merely a linguistic ploy by China, designed to ensnare the thinking of both Taiwanese citizens and the Kuomintang (KMT), according to Professor Ming Chu-cheng. This strategy has confined some Taiwanese within a Chinese mindset, preventing them from moving forward.

China's definition of "Taiwanese independence" is presented as encompassing anyone who does not recognize China. Given that the Republic of China (ROC) has existed in Taiwan for over 70 years, the article questions why China persists with its "petty" united front tactics, resorting to military drills instead of direct conflict.

The article contends that after the UN's Resolution 2758, which transferred China's seat from the ROC to the People's Republic of China (PRC), the KMT's refusal to adapt its name and remain in the UN played into the PRC's hands. This decision, the author argues, allowed the PRC to consolidate its influence within the UN and leverage the "One China" principle to pressure countries into severing ties with the ROC, leading to Taiwan's international isolation.

This political maneuvering by China's former leadership, the author asserts, stripped the ROC of its international space and dignity, causing the KMT to lose the trust of the Taiwanese people and paving the way for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to take power. China's subsequent use of rhetoric like "Chinese do not attack Chinese" and "both sides of the Strait are one family" is seen as an attempt to manipulate KMT voters and divide Taiwan by emphasizing the "pro-unification" versus "pro-independence" debate.

The article concludes that current Taiwanese presidents, including Tsai Ing-wen and Lai Ching-te, wisely refrain from declaring independence because they recognize it as a Chinese cognitive tactic. By maintaining the status quo of the ROC, Taiwan avoids falling into China's trap. The author believes that Taiwan is already independent in practice and that changing the national name would only serve China's agenda. True strength, the article suggests, lies in Taiwan's internal resilience and robust defense, rendering fears of war and unification tactics unfounded.