I'm gonna try to put as much form and organization as possible to this blog. So, where do I start?
Ah yes, I'm a Caucasian that struggles to find his sense of identity because of his loner/nerd upbringing and just never really enjoyed sports or anything iconic of America for that matter. Most (roughly 90%) of all my friends are Chinese.
I study at the University of Oklahoma, which some people argue is the best university in the State once you deduct football culture. Anywho, lots of foreign students study here. I was working at a restaurant on campus, and whenever we took an order from a customer, we would have to take their name too. These two Asian girls walk in, but I'm not sure if they're from China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, etc. Then I ask for a name... + Show Spoiler +
At that point, I basically gave her my "business card." A couple of other times I just happened to run across her on campus. The other night we ate dinner at the cafeteria, I forget when exactly and I treated her as a traditional boy treats a traditional girl. No kissing, no intimate touching. Trust me, it just means more trouble if you do something like that anyway- at least that's my experience.
Now, this is where I have to state openly that I do not want to be with a woman from mainland China. I don't do "pumps and dumps" because that means more trouble, more bull shit, and more drama that I bring to myself. I do not hate mainland Chinese people, I just hate mainland Chinese politics. I have had some of the biggest favors done for me from mainland Chinese people, and my best friend on the planet comes from Beijing.
Here is why I do not want to marry a Mainlander: × Limited Immigration Customs for me if I'm going to stay in China. + Show Spoiler +
Green cards for China are 100x more difficult to obtain in China than in America (where you simply need to birth children to get one).
Currently, the only thing I'm cut out for is Language Education upon graduating from my university. I have no business background, no internships, or anything of that nature which would truly put my foot in the door with business. I know I could be teaching English at any school in China, but to do it legally you have to have a work Visa. When I was 19 years old, I was doing the same work that people with master's degrees had done, but instead of a bachelor's degree and working visa, I had a high school diploma and a business visa and getting paid in cash at the end of each month.
I'm sorry, but I just do not feel comfortable with the parents of my wife living together with me and her, pregnant or not. Especially after meeting my ex's parents who openly spat on the floor of their own house, farted as loud as they wanted wherever they wanted to without shame, criticized both me and, I daresay physically abused and yelled at their daughter even though both of our education levels surpass that of their own.
So, basically I'll be going back to Taiwan for the slightly growing eSports scene there. It's not comparable to Korea, USA, or Europe, but I'm definitely looking forward to going back ASAP upon graduation. As it stands now, I have no plans to go back to the mainland at any time in the future. I don't want to go back to mainland China, and I plan on putting this poor girl down gently, because, frankly, she is not the first one to think that she could take this nice, American boy with her back home to meet her parents and say that he wants to live in China for the rest of his life.
Adding to this, most media outlets portray foreigners as evil. I hate this age-old stereotype, just watch Jet Li's "Fearless" and you immediately see how all foreigners in China are portrayed with the exception of a Garden Variety Few.
Me becoming a propaganda icon overnight in my ex's hometown.
I already responded to you in Shady's blog but I will reiterate it to you here:
Those disgusting family customs aren't mainland customs. You can extrapolate that to Taiwan as well. I actually had this conversation with some mainland friends a while back, and we'd all shared pretty much the same experiences of these "family customs."
Not to mention, my (Taiwanese) grandparents on my dad's side who are living in the US are currently living with one of my uncles and aunts + a nanny + my two younger cousins. When I was growing up, my (Taiwanese) family also lived with my (Taiwanese) grandparents. In fact, when my parents first moved to the US, we all lived in the same damn house as my cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents for a while before people started moving out one by one ...
A lot of these "differences" in customs that you're seeing between mainlander and Taiwanese families are nonexistent. Imho it just seems like you're prejudiced against mainlanders and are looking at Taiwan (or should I say "Taipei"?) through rose-tinted glasses.
Now, if you had said Taiwanese people are better 'cause we invented bubble tea ... then you'd have a valid point~
Main reason I stopped dating my gf from Ningbo was because of her lack of willingness to leave her parents and go anywhere else in the world, so I know how it goes. I can't say I know the difference in customs between the mainland and Taiwan, but the best thing to do is go for a multi-cultured person from any country that you can share these wordly experiences with. I'm still looking for that, but hey, there's plenty of great women in the world. However, I must say I miss getting blackout drunk with my ex-gf's dad on 白酒 hahaha.
On September 12 2012 04:36 P7GAB wrote: your thinking of marriage before you even date her? and your worrying about not having a greencard if you marry her?
Not me, but I'm wondering what she's thinking instead. My experience in the mainland has always left me feeling funny. I failed to mention that in the course of time I spent chasing my ex around, never once did I kiss her. She asked me these silly questions: "if you had a baby would you want a boy or a girl?" for example.
And Taiwan is the win for inventing bubble tea, and inventing the android. And having immigration customs that don't require me to get married.
On September 12 2012 05:00 Shady Sands wrote: Just as an FYI, as you get more visibility in eSports, posts like this are going to come back and haunt you. You might want to think about that.
E: This is not because I find your views distasteful--but because it will be very easy for other people to twist them into something ugly.
Then let them propagate me just as they did with jet li renouncing his Chinese citizenship!
On September 12 2012 05:00 Shady Sands wrote: Just as an FYI, as you get more visibility in eSports, posts like this are going to come back and haunt you. You might want to think about that.
E: This is not because I find your views distasteful--but because it will be very easy for other people to twist them into something ugly.
Then let them propagate me just as they did with jet li renouncing his Chinese citizenship!
Hahaha... you're white. You'll probably be able to get away with some stuff, but after seeing what Yang Rui (a national Chinese TV news show host, think Keith Olbermann or Bill O'Reilly) said on his microblog, you might want to watch out.
On September 12 2012 05:00 Shady Sands wrote: Just as an FYI, as you get more visibility in eSports, posts like this are going to come back and haunt you. You might want to think about that.
E: This is not because I find your views distasteful--but because it will be very easy for other people to twist them into something ugly.
Then let them propagate me just as they did with jet li renouncing his Chinese citizenship!
Hahaha... you're white. You'll probably be able to get away with some stuff, but after seeing what Yang Rui (a national Chinese TV news show host, think Keith Olbermann or Bill O'Reilly) said on his microblog, you might want to watch out.
Personally, I don't think many guys my age in China would have a problem with me saying this if you get my drift.
On September 12 2012 06:45 rauk wrote: 95% chance you're going to be living with your gfs parents in taiwan too just saying
I'll take your word for it.
my main problem is being propagated as a bad person and stared at by everyone in the mainland. That's the creepiest part. Still, to stay there, I don't have to be married like I have to be in China.
just passing through here, dont know jack shit about china on this matter. I am interested however, because I have heard the mention of mainland china and non mainland(?) china before. Is mainland china like every part of china except for places that have been under colony rule until relatively recently such as Hong Kong?
As someone who has no idea about the difference between cultures in mainland/Taiwan/Hong Kong etc. It seems like you are reading a lot into this. Can you really judge all 1.3 billion+ mainland Chinese based on a few experiences and general prejudice?
In any case, I enjoy reading your blogs about life as a Mandarin speaking white person who is interested in starcraft
On September 12 2012 07:44 B.I.G. wrote: just passing through here, dont know jack shit about china on this matter. I am interested however, because I have heard the mention of mainland china and non mainland(?) china before. Is mainland china like every part of china except for places that have been under colony rule until relatively recently such as Hong Kong?
The term "mainland China" is a bit outdated at this point. Back during the Cold War, Taiwan called itself "Free China", and theoretically was set on "retaking the Mainland". Hong Kong was also theoretically part of China, but the UK was sort of renting it until 1997. As such, you had "Mainland" referring to the large Chinese territory, and you had other lands that were also called themselves Chinese.
As Hong Kong has been returned to China now, and Taiwan/Republic of China has pretty much renounced its claim on ruling the territory currently controlled by the People's Republic of China, the term "China" means the same thing as "Mainland China". It's outdated in that it only still makes sense if you believe there's a China outside of that, which there isn't.
Yeah, while you do seem like you know understand a considerable amount of Chinese culture, this kind of attitude is by no means as widespread as you think, I think, at least in my experience and interactions there.
Cool that you actually learned traditional though lol
On September 12 2012 07:44 B.I.G. wrote: just passing through here, dont know jack shit about china on this matter. I am interested however, because I have heard the mention of mainland china and non mainland(?) china before. Is mainland china like every part of china except for places that have been under colony rule until relatively recently such as Hong Kong?
The term "mainland China" is a bit outdated at this point. Back during the Cold War, Taiwan called itself "Free China", and theoretically was set on "retaking the Mainland". Hong Kong was also theoretically part of China, but the UK was sort of renting it until 1997. As such, you had "Mainland" referring to the large Chinese territory, and you had other lands that were also called themselves Chinese.
As Hong Kong has been returned to China now, and Taiwan/Republic of China has pretty much renounced its claim on ruling the territory currently controlled by the People's Republic of China, the term "China" means the same thing as "Mainland China". It's outdated in that it only still makes sense if you believe there's a China outside of that, which there isn't.
Don't tell me you're going in the direction with this post that I think you are...
If Taiwan actually reunites with the mainland, I'm gonna be pissed. I wanted to stay there for the rest of my life. The only other place I'd consider is SG, and it already suffers from overpopulation / overimmigration issues.
Back on topic: I'm a pretty bitchy guy sometimes, just like Lu Xun (魯迅), whom I've learned hated basically everything about the traditional culture of China and hated everything about most uneducated Chinese people, and would probably hate modern day Mainland China...
Taiwan will eventually reunite with the mainland, but don't worry, it probably won't happen in our lifetime. the status quo right now is too beneficial for all three parties (China, Taiwan, US).
also, i'm gonna reiterate what babylon already said - those "differences" between mainlanders and taiwanese are definitely not as vast as you think they are. you're looking at taipei, as babylon said, through rose tinted glasses. those "traditional customs" and whatnot are in both countries. it really just depends on who you meet.
while it might be true that those "traditional customs" occur more in the mainland than in Taiwan, in the end, it depends on the family and the individual. this comparison is not too different from the comparison between the SAT scores of blacks and whites. yes, on average, whites score better than blacks, but if you look at the two distributions (probably bell curves), there is sooooo much overlap between the two groups. only a tiny percentage at each end of the distributions do not overlap.
On September 12 2012 07:44 B.I.G. wrote: just passing through here, dont know jack shit about china on this matter. I am interested however, because I have heard the mention of mainland china and non mainland(?) china before. Is mainland china like every part of china except for places that have been under colony rule until relatively recently such as Hong Kong?
The term "mainland China" is a bit outdated at this point. Back during the Cold War, Taiwan called itself "Free China", and theoretically was set on "retaking the Mainland". Hong Kong was also theoretically part of China, but the UK was sort of renting it until 1997. As such, you had "Mainland" referring to the large Chinese territory, and you had other lands that were also called themselves Chinese.
As Hong Kong has been returned to China now, and Taiwan/Republic of China has pretty much renounced its claim on ruling the territory currently controlled by the People's Republic of China, the term "China" means the same thing as "Mainland China". It's outdated in that it only still makes sense if you believe there's a China outside of that, which there isn't.
Don't tell me you're going in the direction with this post that I think you are...
If Taiwan actually reunites with the mainland, I'm gonna be pissed. I wanted to stay there for the rest of my life. The only other place I'd consider is SG, and it already suffers from overpopulation / overimmigration issues.
Back on topic: I'm a pretty bitchy guy sometimes, just like Lu Xun (魯迅), whom I've learned hated basically everything about the traditional culture of China and hated everything about most uneducated Chinese people, and would probably hate modern day Mainland China...
I'm not sure where you think I'm going with this, haha. I much prefer Taiwan the way it is, and I think life would be much worse under CCP rule. What I was trying to say is that Taiwan is pretty much its own thing, and is better off being an independent country, rather than claiming to represent all of China like it used to. That claim is partly to blame for the mess Taiwan finds itself in with China, though of course Chinese nationalism is the primary cause of conflict here.
Lemme know if you end up coming to Taiwan. I'm more of a BW guy, but I'd cheer you on regardless.
On September 12 2012 07:44 B.I.G. wrote: just passing through here, dont know jack shit about china on this matter. I am interested however, because I have heard the mention of mainland china and non mainland(?) china before. Is mainland china like every part of china except for places that have been under colony rule until relatively recently such as Hong Kong?
The term "mainland China" is a bit outdated at this point. Back during the Cold War, Taiwan called itself "Free China", and theoretically was set on "retaking the Mainland". Hong Kong was also theoretically part of China, but the UK was sort of renting it until 1997. As such, you had "Mainland" referring to the large Chinese territory, and you had other lands that were also called themselves Chinese.
As Hong Kong has been returned to China now, and Taiwan/Republic of China has pretty much renounced its claim on ruling the territory currently controlled by the People's Republic of China, the term "China" means the same thing as "Mainland China". It's outdated in that it only still makes sense if you believe there's a China outside of that, which there isn't.
Don't tell me you're going in the direction with this post that I think you are...
If Taiwan actually reunites with the mainland, I'm gonna be pissed. I wanted to stay there for the rest of my life. The only other place I'd consider is SG, and it already suffers from overpopulation / overimmigration issues.
Back on topic: I'm a pretty bitchy guy sometimes, just like Lu Xun (魯迅), whom I've learned hated basically everything about the traditional culture of China and hated everything about most uneducated Chinese people, and would probably hate modern day Mainland China...
I'm not sure where you think I'm going with this, haha. I much prefer Taiwan the way it is, and I think life would be much worse under CCP rule. What I was trying to say is that Taiwan is pretty much its own thing, and is better off being an independent country, rather than claiming to represent all of China like it used to. That claim is partly to blame for the mess Taiwan finds itself in with China, though of course Chinese nationalism is the primary cause of conflict here.
Lemme know if you end up coming to Taiwan. I'm more of a BW guy, but I'd cheer you on regardless.
Heh. Interestingly the CCP's internal view is that they just want military basing rights on the island. Actually having to take responsibility for the lives of 23 million Taiwanese is something they feel would be a headache, as they are already getting a lot of heat from 7 million HKers even though they don't actually have any direct influence there.
The CCP's actual view is that since 50% of China's GDP is concentrated along its coastal strip, having a Taiwan with tons of cruise missiles and airbases within striking range of all that economic productivity is unacceptable. (Taiwan in the PLA is not referred to not as a country or even an island--just as a "pao tai" or "cannon platform".)
While the emotional impetus for taking back Taiwan is Chinese pride; there are real national security concerns that drive China's policy towards the island.
What I've always thought interesting though is why Taiwan can't just give China the basing rights while getting everything else it wants--indefinite de facto independence; advantageous trade terms; hell, even becoming an offshore gambling mecca like Cuba was for the US in the 1950s. But then again, I have no insight into the mind of the Taiwanese electorate--maybe other TLers can help?
On September 12 2012 07:44 B.I.G. wrote: just passing through here, dont know jack shit about china on this matter. I am interested however, because I have heard the mention of mainland china and non mainland(?) china before. Is mainland china like every part of china except for places that have been under colony rule until relatively recently such as Hong Kong?
The term "mainland China" is a bit outdated at this point. Back during the Cold War, Taiwan called itself "Free China", and theoretically was set on "retaking the Mainland". Hong Kong was also theoretically part of China, but the UK was sort of renting it until 1997. As such, you had "Mainland" referring to the large Chinese territory, and you had other lands that were also called themselves Chinese.
As Hong Kong has been returned to China now, and Taiwan/Republic of China has pretty much renounced its claim on ruling the territory currently controlled by the People's Republic of China, the term "China" means the same thing as "Mainland China". It's outdated in that it only still makes sense if you believe there's a China outside of that, which there isn't.
Don't tell me you're going in the direction with this post that I think you are...
If Taiwan actually reunites with the mainland, I'm gonna be pissed. I wanted to stay there for the rest of my life. The only other place I'd consider is SG, and it already suffers from overpopulation / overimmigration issues.
Back on topic: I'm a pretty bitchy guy sometimes, just like Lu Xun (魯迅), whom I've learned hated basically everything about the traditional culture of China and hated everything about most uneducated Chinese people, and would probably hate modern day Mainland China...
I'm not sure where you think I'm going with this, haha. I much prefer Taiwan the way it is, and I think life would be much worse under CCP rule. What I was trying to say is that Taiwan is pretty much its own thing, and is better off being an independent country, rather than claiming to represent all of China like it used to. That claim is partly to blame for the mess Taiwan finds itself in with China, though of course Chinese nationalism is the primary cause of conflict here.
Lemme know if you end up coming to Taiwan. I'm more of a BW guy, but I'd cheer you on regardless.
Heh. Interestingly the CCP's internal view is that they just want military basing rights on the island. Actually having to take responsibility for the lives of 23 million Taiwanese is something they feel would be a headache, as they are already getting a lot of heat from 7 million HKers even though they don't actually have any direct influence there.
The CCP's actual view is that since 50% of China's GDP is concentrated along its coastal strip, having a Taiwan with tons of cruise missiles and airbases within striking range of all that economic productivity is unacceptable. (Taiwan in the PLA is not referred to not as a country or even an island--just as a "pao tai" or "cannon platform".)
While the emotional impetus for taking back Taiwan is Chinese pride; there are real national security concerns that drive China's policy towards the island.
What I've always thought interesting though is why Taiwan can't just give China the basing rights while getting everything else it wants--indefinite de facto independence; advantageous trade terms; hell, even becoming an offshore gambling mecca like Cuba was for the US in the 1950s. But then again, I have no insight into the mind of the Taiwanese electorate--maybe other TLers can help?
I don't presume to speak with utmost confidence about the preferences of the Taiwanese electorate, but I'll share what I can regarding what I've found out both through personal experience and some academic research.
It goes without saying that the PRC worries about Taiwan from a strategic perspective, and the U.S. pretty much acquiesced to China's terms on arms sales. It has been fairly consistent about refusing to provide Taiwan with offensive weapons such as Harpoons and SLAMs that could be used against ground targets, choosing instead to sell primarily air superiority fighters and surface-to-air-missile units. It also shut down the Taiwan nuclear weapon plans, so it's clear that it wants to retain the status quo.
From Taiwan's strategic perspective, it knows that China's military advantage is only going to keep growing. Back in the 80s and 90s, Taiwan would have actually held the upper hand in a potential maritime invasion. China had limited amphibious assault capability, and its air force consisted mostly of 2nd gen fighters with limited range like the J-7 and J-8. But now, with improved ballistic missile technology that threatens to take many of Taiwan's airfields out of commission within minutes (and Taiwan lacking a comprehensive missile defense technology that would be able to take down enough of the incoming missiles), plus the improved composition of China's Air Force (J-10s and J-11s/Su-27s taking up the frontlines) makes playing defense impossible. Taiwan never had the ability to hold off a determined invasion indefinitely, as it is extremely vulnerable to supply interdiction. As such, its goal was originally to hold off for roughly 2 weeks, giving enough time for the U.S. and possibly Japan to intervene. Now it's doubtful Taiwan could hold for even that long, and so there's been more interest in producing weapons of deterrence, which is why Taiwan decided to develop its own cruise missile programs in lieu of U.S. refusal to sell.
Honestly, I feel the CCP doesn't really give a shit about the Taiwanese people, it's all about their own national security and international dickwaving. To be fair, the U.S. does this as well.
There is no way in hell Taiwan will "give" China basing rights, because essentially there's nothing to stop China from taking everything else it wants. Taiwan has absolutely no reason to trust China's word - it's clear from China's international bullying of Taiwan and reducing of space and status that it's a one-sided negotiation. China can't have an independent Taiwan, especially if it will be stationing weapons there, and so the democratic government (and to a certain extent, society and education) would have to go. Trade terms could certainly be arranged.
Fuck gambling. That would just turn Taiwan into a total shithole. It's not like we don't have our own economy and lifestyle - Vegas is an interesting place to visit, but it totally transforms the character and nature of the country.
Taiwan's feelings towards China are somewhat complex. On one hand, there are many who have been taught to feel an emotional connection to "China" - but it should be very clear that this "China" doesn't mean the "People's Republic of China" - rather, the land and the cultural heritage. When the KMT got its ass kicked and had to retreat to Taiwan, it created a conflict between Taiwan and China (part of the Cold War, really) and taught animosity towards the CCP and the "Communist Bandits". Of course, times have changed. China's government is as brutal and intolerant of dissent as ever, but its economic prowess and potential have proved quite alluring to many Taiwanese businesses, and in that realm it's quite clear that many benefit from trade with China.
But the Taiwanese have gone through a lot of shit to get where they are today. The democracy you see now was pretty much forced out of the KMT, which arguably lifted martial law and re-implemented elections due to lack of other viable options. Freedom of speech, free elections (to the extent that money corrupts like it does everywhere else)... many died for these rights, and Taiwan's not going to give them up for nothing. There's no reason to believe that China would just take basing rights, while giving Taiwan everything else. As such, you may as well sell out the entire country and just unify and get it all over with. The current ruling party (KMT) favors closer business relations with China, but it understands that economic integration and political integration do not receive the same amount of support, and that if they directly advocated for unification, it might create a large enough backlash to put the opposition DPP back in power.
My thoughts are that like it or not, Taiwan will probably unify (I really dislike the term "re-unify" because I feel it's historically inaccurate. The PRC has never ruled Taiwan, and the two countries have developed in their own way. Not that one is necessarily better or worse than the other, but there's no reason to lump them together except for nationalist purposes and framing) on China's terms. It won't happen anytime soon, because Taiwan still has enough leverage, but as Taiwan becomes (comparatively) weaker compared to China, it will receive less and less international support, and when even the United States decides that good business relations with China are more important than other things such as human rights and free speech... then Taiwan will be forced to the table to see what it can salvage.
One hopes that China will be a more open and democratic society at that point.
On September 12 2012 07:44 B.I.G. wrote: just passing through here, dont know jack shit about china on this matter. I am interested however, because I have heard the mention of mainland china and non mainland(?) china before. Is mainland china like every part of china except for places that have been under colony rule until relatively recently such as Hong Kong?
The term "mainland China" is a bit outdated at this point. Back during the Cold War, Taiwan called itself "Free China", and theoretically was set on "retaking the Mainland". Hong Kong was also theoretically part of China, but the UK was sort of renting it until 1997. As such, you had "Mainland" referring to the large Chinese territory, and you had other lands that were also called themselves Chinese.
As Hong Kong has been returned to China now, and Taiwan/Republic of China has pretty much renounced its claim on ruling the territory currently controlled by the People's Republic of China, the term "China" means the same thing as "Mainland China". It's outdated in that it only still makes sense if you believe there's a China outside of that, which there isn't.
Don't tell me you're going in the direction with this post that I think you are...
If Taiwan actually reunites with the mainland, I'm gonna be pissed. I wanted to stay there for the rest of my life. The only other place I'd consider is SG, and it already suffers from overpopulation / overimmigration issues.
Back on topic: I'm a pretty bitchy guy sometimes, just like Lu Xun (魯迅), whom I've learned hated basically everything about the traditional culture of China and hated everything about most uneducated Chinese people, and would probably hate modern day Mainland China...
I'm not sure where you think I'm going with this, haha. I much prefer Taiwan the way it is, and I think life would be much worse under CCP rule. What I was trying to say is that Taiwan is pretty much its own thing, and is better off being an independent country, rather than claiming to represent all of China like it used to. That claim is partly to blame for the mess Taiwan finds itself in with China, though of course Chinese nationalism is the primary cause of conflict here.
Lemme know if you end up coming to Taiwan. I'm more of a BW guy, but I'd cheer you on regardless.
Heh. Interestingly the CCP's internal view is that they just want military basing rights on the island. Actually having to take responsibility for the lives of 23 million Taiwanese is something they feel would be a headache, as they are already getting a lot of heat from 7 million HKers even though they don't actually have any direct influence there.
The CCP's actual view is that since 50% of China's GDP is concentrated along its coastal strip, having a Taiwan with tons of cruise missiles and airbases within striking range of all that economic productivity is unacceptable. (Taiwan in the PLA is not referred to not as a country or even an island--just as a "pao tai" or "cannon platform".)
While the emotional impetus for taking back Taiwan is Chinese pride; there are real national security concerns that drive China's policy towards the island.
What I've always thought interesting though is why Taiwan can't just give China the basing rights while getting everything else it wants--indefinite de facto independence; advantageous trade terms; hell, even becoming an offshore gambling mecca like Cuba was for the US in the 1950s. But then again, I have no insight into the mind of the Taiwanese electorate--maybe other TLers can help?
I don't presume to speak with utmost confidence about the preferences of the Taiwanese electorate, but I'll share what I can regarding what I've found out both through personal experience and some academic research.
It goes without saying that the PRC worries about Taiwan from a strategic perspective, and the U.S. pretty much acquiesced to China's terms on arms sales. It has been fairly consistent about refusing to provide Taiwan with offensive weapons such as Harpoons and SLAMs that could be used against ground targets, choosing instead to sell primarily air superiority fighters and surface-to-air-missile units. It also shut down the Taiwan nuclear weapon plans, so it's clear that it wants to retain the status quo.
From Taiwan's strategic perspective, it knows that China's military advantage is only going to keep growing. Back in the 80s and 90s, Taiwan would have actually held the upper hand in a potential maritime invasion. China had limited amphibious assault capability, and its air force consisted mostly of 2nd gen fighters with limited range like the J-7 and J-8. But now, with improved ballistic missile technology that threatens to take many of Taiwan's airfields out of commission within minutes (and Taiwan lacking a comprehensive missile defense technology that would be able to take down enough of the incoming missiles), plus the improved composition of China's Air Force (J-10s and J-11s/Su-27s taking up the frontlines) makes playing defense impossible. Taiwan never had the ability to hold off a determined invasion indefinitely, as it is extremely vulnerable to supply interdiction. As such, its goal was originally to hold off for roughly 2 weeks, giving enough time for the U.S. and possibly Japan to intervene. Now it's doubtful Taiwan could hold for even that long, and so there's been more interest in producing weapons of deterrence, which is why Taiwan decided to develop its own cruise missile programs in lieu of U.S. refusal to sell.
Honestly, I feel the CCP doesn't really give a shit about the Taiwanese people, it's all about their own national security and international dickwaving. To be fair, the U.S. does this as well.
There is no way in hell Taiwan will "give" China basing rights, because essentially there's nothing to stop China from taking everything else it wants. Taiwan has absolutely no reason to trust China's word - it's clear from China's international bullying of Taiwan and reducing of space and status that it's a one-sided negotiation. China can't have an independent Taiwan, especially if it will be stationing weapons there, and so the democratic government (and to a certain extent, society and education) would have to go. Trade terms could certainly be arranged.
Fuck gambling. That would just turn Taiwan into a total shithole. It's not like we don't have our own economy and lifestyle - Vegas is an interesting place to visit, but it totally transforms the character and nature of the country.
Taiwan's feelings towards China are somewhat complex. On one hand, there are many who have been taught to feel an emotional connection to "China" - but it should be very clear that this "China" doesn't mean the "People's Republic of China" - rather, the land and the cultural heritage. When the KMT got its ass kicked and had to retreat to Taiwan, it created a conflict between Taiwan and China (part of the Cold War, really) and taught animosity towards the CCP and the "Communist Bandits". Of course, times have changed. China's government is as brutal and intolerant of dissent as ever, but its economic prowess and potential have proved quite alluring to many Taiwanese businesses, and in that realm it's quite clear that many benefit from trade with China.
But the Taiwanese have gone through a lot of shit to get where they are today. The democracy you see now was pretty much forced out of the KMT, which arguably lifted martial law and re-implemented elections due to lack of other viable options. Freedom of speech, free elections (to the extent that money corrupts like it does everywhere else)... many died for these rights, and Taiwan's not going to give them up for nothing. There's no reason to believe that China would just take basing rights, while giving Taiwan everything else. As such, you may as well sell out the entire country and just unify and get it all over with. The current ruling party (KMT) favors closer business relations with China, but it understands that economic integration and political integration do not receive the same amount of support, and that if they directly advocated for unification, it might create a large enough backlash to put the opposition DPP back in power.
My thoughts are that like it or not, Taiwan will probably unify (I really dislike the term "re-unify" because I feel it's historically inaccurate. The PRC has never ruled Taiwan, and the two countries have developed in their own way. Not that one is necessarily better or worse than the other, but there's no reason to lump them together except for nationalist purposes and framing) on China's terms. It won't happen anytime soon, because Taiwan still has enough leverage, but as Taiwan becomes (comparatively) weaker compared to China, it will receive less and less international support, and when even the United States decides that good business relations with China are more important than other things such as human rights and free speech... then Taiwan will be forced to the table to see what it can salvage.
One hopes that China will be a more open and democratic society at that point.
Mmm, thanks for the response.
This is how I understand the argument against basing rights (and correct me if I'm wrong):
1. Taiwan has accomplished much in terms of developing a functioning democracy 2. Taiwan feels the PRC, if given basing rights, is given de facto control over the country 3. Taiwan feels that the PRC, if given de facto control, would actively try to rollback Taiwan's democratic reforms
Is that correct?
If so, I think the PRC would need to do some fairly active explanatory work on the island, because points 2 and 3 above aren't necessarily true (in the slightest.)
I speak for a large minority of PRC reformers when we say that we look to Taiwan as a good example of what China could become. As I've noted in the Chinese Economy blog, the reform wing in China has substantial economic strength over the statist wing, which will only grow once the privatization/electoral reforms are complete.
In this regard, Taiwan is far different from Hong Kong. Taiwan's democratic systems are battle-tested and proven (unlike HK's mechanisms, which were put in place a mere 6 years before the handover). Furthermore, Taiwan's mechanisms can handle governing a country with multiple urban and rural areas (as opposed to one city-state).
Hence it's unlikely that the PRC would want to roll back Taiwan to the PRC's level of political control; the opposite (the PRC adopting Taiwanese political mechanisms) seems more likely.
Second, basing rights in Taiwan wouldn't necessarily lead to de facto control. Look at Guantanamo Bay (US base in Cuba) and Sevastopol (Russian base in Ukraine) as examples of where basing rights assure the larger country of security without infringing on the sovereignty of the smaller country. PLA planners pretty much only want 4 bases on Taiwan--one naval installation on either side of the island capable of handling subs and aircraft carriers (to give China the ability to cut off Japanese and Korean energy shipping), an airbase capable of handling strategic bombers (to project force out to Okinawa and Guam), and Yangmingshan (the mountain above Taipei) with the current American ELINT/SIGINT installation intact (for intelligence purposes.)
No army bases--much less any military police garrisons like you see in HK.
Why the gentle presence?
Think about it: what does China gain by crushing Taiwan under its boot? Technology? China can get that by trading with Taiwan. Additional security? Military basing rights provide that. Prestige? Chinese top leaders, unlike their counterparts still climbing the greasy pole, don't really need more of that. National harmony/international reputation? How does oppressing 23 million pissed-off, vocal, and internet-savvy people increase China's national harmony/reputation?
Basically, there's no reason for China to oppress Taiwan, or even build the mechanisms to do so. What China wants from Taiwan, Taiwan can give without any abrogation of its rights as a sovereign state. The greatest tragedy, in my opinion (and the opinion of numerous Chinese policymakers) would be if misunderstandings prevent this transaction from occuring.
EPT
