The Struggle for Taiwain

Author: Sulmaan Wasif Khan

I work with a lot of engineers from Taiwan and have always been curious about what the fuss about Taiwan and Mainland China is all about. This book seemed like it would be a good place to get some answers. The first thing that caught my attention was the name of the author. Sulmaan Wasif Khan was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. He is a Professor of History at Tufts University and to the best of my knowledge did not grow up or live in Taiwan. However, from reading the book, it is clear that he has an extensive and deep knowledge of both the history and culture that has shaped present day Taiwan. In this book, he explores the intricate relationship between the United States, China, and Taiwan, highlighting how historical events have shaped this dynamic. It discusses America’s fluctuating commitment to Taiwan's defense, China’s resentment over Taiwan's separation, and Taiwan's evolution into a thriving democracy.

Khan traces Taiwan's history from its time as a Japanese colony to its post-World War II status under the Kuomintang (KMT) after their retreat from mainland China in 1949. This period set the stage for Taiwan's contentious political status. The book details how the U.S. initially supported Taiwan as a bulwark against communism, backing the authoritarian regime of Chiang Kai-shek. However, shifts in U.S. foreign policy, particularly during the Nixon administration, complicated Taiwan's international standing.

In 1987, Chiang lifted martial law, which had been in place since 1949. This pivotal decision allowed for greater political freedoms and set the stage for opposition parties like the Deomcratic Progressive Party (DPP) to emerge.  The DPP mobilized public support for democratic reforms and played a critical role in advocating for elections and civil rights. 

Chiang Kai Shek was succeeded by his son Chiang Ching-kuo, who did in 1988. Following that, Lee Teng-hui became Taiwan’s first native-born president. Under Lee's leadership, Taiwan held its first direct presidential election in 1996, marking a significant milestone in its democratic journey.

Since then, Taiwan has become increasingly democratic and consistently held free and fair elections, allowing for peaceful transition of power. Taiwan has faced increasing pressure from China, which seeks to undermine its democratic processes through intimidation and influence operations. Despite these challenges, Taiwan's commitment to democracy has remained steadfast, as evidenced by public backlash against perceived threats from Beijing.