Whither Taiwan: Ilha Formosa or Ilha Devastada?

Abstract

Taiwan, formerly known as ilha Formosa (the beautiful island), and officially known today as the Republic of China, is an island situated approximately 250 kilometers off the east coast of China. The Republic of China has a population of 23.5 million and boasts the largest economy of any non-member of the United Nations. The People’s Republic of China has continued to claim sovereignty over Taiwan, and refuses to engage in diplomatic relations with any nation that recognizes the Republic of China. United States policy toward Taiwan has been tentative and ambiguous, with inconsistent messages among various presidential administrations over the years. The question before the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China, and indeed, the entire world, is whether the Republic of China should become an independent country, become a fully integrated part of the People’s Republic of China and come under the jurisdiction of Beijing, or continue to walk a middle road between these two alternatives. The authors propose that a date certain be set for reunification of Taiwan and China, and work begin to bring about an amenable resolution.