Case Study → Taiwan (Edexcel A-Level Geography): Revision Notes

Case Study → Taiwan

Context

● China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since 1949 ● The issues of Taiwanese sovereignty has strained relations between China & other global superpowers (eg. USA, EU) ● The disputes date back to 1949 when, following the Communist victory in mainland China, 2 mil Chinese nationalists fled to Taiwan and established a gov of their own on the island ● But, mainland China maintains that Taiwan is a part of China ○ However Taiwan claims independence as a distinct state and want to become a member of the UN

Relationship between China & Taiwan

● When Taiwan first broke away, the UN decided that it could not recognise both Taiwan and the People's republic of China ○ Since 1971, it has recognised only the latter ● The Taiwanese government government hopes in time to be recognised too ● Relationships between China and Taiwan remain complex ○ Eg, Firms like Foxconn are major investors in China • ∴ making both countries interdependent despite the Chinese Government's insistence that Taiwan should not remain independent

•                                                                         China-Taiwan tensions*