Foreword: Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan's geography to those who have never been there.
How many seasons does Taiwan have? Four. They are most pronounced up north and lees distinguishable in the south. Is Taiwan in Asia? Yes. In fact, Taiwan is the heart of Asia! Where is Taiwan on a map? Taiwan is in the heart of Asia!
Why is Taiwan the heart of Asia?
From a purely geographical perspective, Taiwan lies in a central location in East Asia, between China, Kong Kong, Macau, Japan, Korea, and is also close to the Philipines, and other southeat Asian countries, making it a prime spot for an Asian hub. Taiwan also is highly influenced culturally by other East Asian nations, such as China, Japan, and Korea. When does Taiwan change time? It does not. There is no daylight savings time in Taiwan as of now. What is the capital of Taiwan? Taipei. What time Zone is Taiwan in? China Standard Time (CST) or UTC+08:00. What time is it in Taipei? Check this link. What year does Taiwan use? The official years are counted from the founding of the government of Taiwan, the Republic of China (ROC). For 2018, this will be year 107, 107 years from the start of the ROC in 1911. However, the western calendar is used for almost all non-government dates and is acceptable. How do you write the date in Taiwan? Year, month, day. Use the ROC year if you are writing a government form or document. What is the population of Taipei? 2,704,974 as of 2016. Why does Taiwan have a high population density? Taiwan has a population of more than 23 million people, while the flat land in Taiwan only accounts for 1/3 of the island mainly on the west side, meaning that most people live in cities on the west coast. This means that Taiwan’s cities are very densely populated. Why does Taiwan have the lowest birth rate? Taiwan has had the lowest birth rate, and one of the lowest birth rates every year due to a number of factors, one being high cost of raising a child vs. low average incomes. Many couples in Taiwan both work, so raising a child means extra fees like nannies, daycare, and cram school. Also, there is cultural pressure for couples to be financially stable before they get married, such as owning a house, which put the age for marriage and childbearing later and later. Why does Taiwan have the lowest poverty rate? This is due mainly to the Taiwan government’s social welfare and subsidies for low income families. For more information, click here. How Many Islands does Taiwan have? 45! We counted. But there are many other offshore rocks, as well as disputed territory claimed by the ROC but controlled by other countries. If you don' count the islands in the South China Sea, Taiwan only has only 41 islands. If you don't count Matsu, Kinmen, and the South China Sea, then Taiwan only has 23 islands. For more information, click here. How many cities does Taiwan have? 23. For a full list of cities, click here. What is the highest point in Taiwan? The highest mountain in Taiwan is Mt. Jade or Yushan (玉山), which is 3952 meters high (12,966 feet), making Taiwan the 4th highest island in the world and highest point in East Asia. Click here for our blog of our summit of this mountain. Are there elephants in Taiwan? Not in the wild, just at the zoo. Are there monkeys in Taiwan? Yes. The only monkeys native to Taiwan are the Formosan Rock Macaque. You can find them in most mountainous areas in Taiwan, but please do not feed them for your safety as well as for the monkey’s well being. Are there tigers in Taiwan? Not in the wild, just at the zoo. The Formosan clouded leopard is also believed to be extinct. Are there sharks in Taiwan? Yes. But in the past 118 years, there has only been 6 shark attacks, and only 2 of those were fatal, so you should feel safe from sharks when your are swimming and surfing at the beach. However, there are still other dangers at the beach, such as sharp rocks, rip tides, and bad weather. Are there pandas in Taiwan? Not in the wild, just at the zoo. Are there crocodiles in Taiwan? Not in the wild, just at the zoo. Click here to see saltwater crocodile distribution. Are there beaches in Taiwan? Yes. Taiwan has 1,239.5756 km (770.2366 mi) of coastline and countless beaches. Click here for the best beaches in New Taipei. Are there volcanoes in Taiwan? Yes. There are 9 volcanoes in Taiwan. Are volcanoes in Taiwan dangerous? There is a very very small chance that they are dangerous. The Tatun volcano group which lay 15km northwest of Taipei are active, although the chance of an eruption any time soon is very low. Are there Typhoons in Taiwan? Yes. When is Typhoon Season in Taiwan? Typhoon Season is roughly from July to October. Are Typhoons in Taiwan dangerous? No. Usually casualties come from people being outside or from rock slides and flooding. Most all buildings in Taiwan are Typhoon-proof, so as long as you stay indoors during a typhoon you should be safe. Where was the earthquake in Taiwan? The 921 earthquake was centered in Jiji, Nantou on September 21st, 1999, killing 2,415 people. It was the worst earthquake in Taiwan in recent history. For more recent earthquakes, check here. Why does Taiwan have earthquakes? This is because of collisions between the Eurasian plate and the Philippian Sea Plate. Taiwan also lies on the Pacific ring of fire. For more information, click here. How often does Taiwan have earthquakes? Daily. However, major earthquakes are rare. For more recent earthquakes, check here. What is the weather like in Taiwan? Please see our Taiwan weather FAQ here. What is New Taipei City? New Taipei city is the area surrounding Taipei city, and was formerly known as Taipei county. Where is Taipei on a Map? Taipei City is located in northern Taiwan, laying in the middle of the Taipei Basin surrounded by New Taipei City. Please refer to the map below:
Where is New Taipei City? New Taipei City (formerly Taipei County), is located in northern Taiwan, surrounding Taipei City. Please refer to the map below:
Where is Yilan in Taiwan? Yilan lies on the Northeast Coast of Taiwan. Please refer to the map below:
Where is Alishan in Taiwan? Alishan lies in the mountains of South-Central Taiwan. The quickest way to get there is through Chiayi City. Where is Jiufen in Taiwan? Jiufen is a city that sits on a hill in northern New Taipei City. It can be reached by bus from Taipei. Where is Hualien in Taiwan? Hualien lies on Taiwan’s east central coast. It is the gateway to Taroko national park. Where is Kenting in Taiwan? Kenting lies on the southern tip of Taiwan. It has some of the warmest weather and best beaches in Taiwan. Where is Jade Mountain (Yushan) in Taiwan? Jade Mountain lies in the mountains of South-Central Taiwan. The only way to get there is by bus or by your own vehicle. Click here for our blog of our summit of this mountain. Please refer to the map below: Have any more questions about the geography of Taiwan? Please leave them in the comments below, and we might just add them to the list! Please like, follow, and share to help everyone know that Taiwan is a great place to vacation year round!
0 Comments
Foreword: Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan's transportation to those who have never been there.
Does Taiwan require a visa?/ Does Taiwan need visas? If you are a foreign national from one of the 46 countries that have Visa free entry, then no. Otherwise, yes. Does my Country’s passport have a visa free entry into Taiwan? Currently there are a total of 46 countries that are visa free to come to Taiwan. They are listed below according to number of days and geographic area: 14 days visa-exempt countries: Philippines, trial 30 days visa-exempt countries: (total of 2 countries) Asia Pacific: Malaysia, Singapore 90-day visa-free countries: 40 countries In Asia Pacific: Japan, Republic of Korea (2 countries total) North America: Canada, United States of America (2 countries total) Europe Region: United Kingdom, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Vatican City State, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Andorra, San Marino (36 in total) Passport validity should be more than six months. (Formal passports, official and diplomatic official passports are applicable, excluding emergency, temporary, other informal passports or travel documents). However, the validity period of a Japanese passport must be longer than three months. The validity period of a U.S. passport (including the U.S. emergency passport) should only be longer than the planned date of stay. Persons holding emergency or temporary passports (except for nationals of the United States) should apply for a visa from my embassy or apply for a visa when arriving in Taoyuan or Kaohsiung airport. U. S. emergency passport holders are eligible for visa-free treatment. Which countries are visa free for Taiwanese nationals? Click here for a list of visa free countries for Taiwanese nationals. If my country’s passport does not have visa free entry into Taiwan, what should I do? First, you should decide which visa you need. There are three different types of visas:
Fill in the visa application form online at https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw. Fill in the visa application information and print the application form signature. You will also need to provide the following (as applicable):
How much is a Taiwan Visa? If you are not from a Visa free country, for a one time entry visa, the visa fee is US $ 50; and the multiple entry visa fee is US $ 100; relative processing fees is US $ 160, however these fees may vary. Please check the local Taiwan representative office in you country for the latest information and fees relevant to your home country. How much is a Taiwanese Visa in the Philippines? For a visitor visa, currently the Philippines has a free 14 day trial visa exemption. Otherwise please check with the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines here. How much for a flight to Taiwan? From personal experience, flights to and from Taiwan are more expensive in the summer. For instance, an economy, multiple stop, round trip flight from Taipei to Seattle can get up to $1,2000 USD or more during the summer. However if you book during non-busy times such as September or October, and book well in advance, you could get flights as cheap as $500+ USD for a round trip from the US. We suggest using Google Flights to find the cheapest flights with flexible dates. Which airport should I use in Taiwan? The Taipei Taoyuan Airport is the biggest airport in Taiwan, and is a 40 minute trip from Taipei. It should have the most and the cheapest flights outside of Asia. For travelling to or from other Asian countries you may consider: Taipei Songshan Airport: This airport lies in the middle of Taipei and is convineinet to get to and from. Kaohsiung International Airport: This Airport lies in the heart of Kaohsiung and is connected to the MRT, making it easy and convenient to use. Taichung Airport: We have not used this airport personally, but we know many people that have used this for travel within Asia. If you want to travel quickly to Taiwan’s outer islands, you may consider: Taitung, Orchis Isalnd, and Green Island Airports: Airports that connects Taiwan to the east coast and to Orchid island and Green island. Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu Airports: These airports connect the islands of Penghu and Kinmen to the main island of Taiwan. Why is Taiwan the heart of Asia? From a purely geographical perspective, Taiwan lies in a central location in East Asia, between China, Kong Kong, Macau, Japan, Korea, and is also close to the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian countries, making it a prime spot for an Asian hub. Taiwan also is highly influenced culturally by other East Asian nations, such as China, Japan, and Korea. How do I get to the airport from Taipei? To get from Taipei Main Station to the Taoyuan International Airport, you have a few options:
How much for a Taiwan trip? For a week of vacationing in Taiwan, you can budget for 1000 USD and probably have a few hundred dollars left over. But this depends on what you want to do, what kind of hotels you want to stay in, and what your budget is. For a one week trip for one person, plan to spend about 1500-3000 NT per night for a decent hotel (10,500-21,000 NT for a week), 100-150 NT per meal for low end restaurants (2,100-3,150 NT per week), maybe 3,000-5,000 NT on travel (depending on where you want to go), and 1,000 NT or so to buy small gifts for your family back home. This would be a grand total of 16,600-30,150 NT (553-1005 USD). How do I travel in Taiwan? You have a few options:
Does Taiwan have Uber? Yes, but its just as expensive as a Taxi. Uber was banned and fined multiple times because their business model was deemed illegal. Uber drivers were required to have a professional driver’s licence. Now Uber works with local rental car companies to keep their app going. What side of the road does Taiwan drive on? The Right side. What plug/power does Taiwan use?/What kind of adapter do I need for Taiwan?/What kind of plug do I need in Taiwan? Taiwan uses the same power and plugs as the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Japan. The standard voltage is 100V at 60Hz. If you are from Europe Australia, Asia, or Africa, you will need to bring a voltage converter. Click here to search voltage converters on Amazon. What time does the Taiwan MRT close?/ When does the Taiwan MRT close? The Taipei and Kaohsiung MRTs close at 12:00 AM midnight. They open again at 6:00 AM. The last train at the MRT usually leaves from 11:00PM-12:00AM midnight. To search for exact times for the last train, click here. How do I rent a car in Taiwan? Please read our blog about car rental in Taiwan here. How do I get a local Taiwanese licence? Check out our guide on getting a driver's licence in Taiwan here. How do I rent a scooter in Taiwan? Please read our blog about scooter rental in Taiwan here. How do I use a Youbike in Taiwan? To use Youbike you will need to buy an Easy card (悠游卡) or iPass card (一卡通). These cards can be purchased at most MRT stations, and are usually $100 NT. Once you have a card, you will need to register it at a Youbike Station using a local cell phone number. If you do not have a cell phone number in Taiwan, you can go to a local cell provider such as Chuanghua Telecom or Taiwan Mobile and show your passport to buy a SIM card. Alternatively, you can use a credit card with a security to rent a Youbike (can only be used one time per card). Fares are 10 NT for 30 minutes, or free for the first 30 minutes if your trip originates from New Taipei City. After you have a card you should:
How do I use an Obike in Taiwan?
Where is Taiwan on a map? Taiwan is in the heart of Asia! Where is New Taipei City? New Taipei City (formerly Taipei County), is located in northern Taiwan, surrounding Taipei City. Please refer to the map below: Where is Yilan in Taiwan? Yilan lies on the Northeast Coast of Taiwan. It is famous for its beaches, hot springs, and food. Please refer to the map below: Where is Taipei in Taiwan?/Where is Taipei on a Map? Taipei City is located in northern Taiwan, laying in the middle of the Taipei Basin surrounded by New Taipei City. Please refer to the map below: Where is Alishan in Taiwan? Alishan lies in the mountains of South-Central Taiwan. It is a beautiful forested area with a historical train the circles the park. The quickest way to get there is through Chiayi City. Where is Jiufen in Taiwan? Jiufen is a city that sits on a hill in northern New Taipei City. It is famous for its breathtaking views of the north coast, architecture that supposedly was inspiration for Spirited Away, and great food. It can be reached by bus from Taipei. Where is Hualien in Taiwan? Hualien lies on Taiwan’s east central coast. It is the gateway to Taroko national park, which has some of the most beautiful views of Taiwan's mountain scenery, including Taroko Gorge. Where is Kenting in Taiwan? Kenting lies on the southern tip of Taiwan. It has some of the warmest weather and best beaches in Taiwan.
Have any more questions about travel and transportation in Taiwan? Please leave them in the comments below, and we might just add them to the list!
Please like, follow, and share to help everyone know that Taiwan is a great place to travel year round! 
Foreword: Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan's weather to those who have never been there. What type of climate does Taiwan have? The Tropic of Cancer lies across the middle of Taiwan, giving Taiwan a humid subtropical climate in the north, and a tropical monsoon climate in the south. Temperatures in the north vary from 14-20 °C (57-68 °F) in the winter and 26-34 °C (78-93 °F) in the summer, while in the south temperatures vary from 16-24 °C (60-75 °F) in the winter and 26-32 °C (78-89 °F) in the summer on average. The most rain falls in the summer time across Taiwan, with Typhoons bringing torrential rains during that time. Average humidity is around 75% throughout the year. When should I visit Taiwan? This depends on what kind of weather you prefer. If you do not mind hot and humid weather, then the summer might be best for you. If you prefer mild or chilly temperatures, then you should come between October and March. The most rain falls in the summer (and typhoons might delay your flights), but typically you will see more sunny days in Northern and Eastern Taiwan during that time. What is the weather in Taiwan?/How is the weather in Taiwan? For the current weather in Taiwan as well as forecasts, you can look at the Central Weather Bureau’s Website, CWB radar, and Accuweather (which has the most reliable weather forecasts for Taiwan in my opinion) What is the temperature in Taiwan? For current temperatures, click on the links for the question above. On average, temperatures in the north vary from 14-20 °C (57-68 °F) in the winter and 26-34 °C (78-93 °F) in the summer, while in the south temperatures vary from 16-24 °C (60-75 °F) in the winter and 26-32 °C (78-89 °F) in the summer. When do Cherry blossoms bloom in Taiwan? Most bloom fromEarly February to Early March. There may be a few weeks of variation based on current temperatures. Also be aware that Cherry blossoms only last about two weeks. If you are not careful, they’ll be gone before you get there. When is the butterfly migration in Taiwan?/ Where is the butterfly migration in Taiwan? This migration takes place from December to March in Southern Taiwan. Millions of butterflies cross the Taiwan Strait to winter in the foothills near the border of Pingtung and Kaohsiung. Maolin National Scenic Area is famous for this butterfly migration, but other valleys nearby also are known to hold thousands of the migrating insects. Why is there no snow in Taiwan?/ Does Taiwan have snow?/Is there snow in Taiwan? There is Snow in Taiwan! Just in high elevations during winter. In major cities where most people live, the elevation is too low for snow to fall, and the temperature almost never gets below freezing. When does Taiwan have Snow? Taiwan has snow at high mountain elevations from December to March. On rare occasions, the snow level can reach down to 500 meters. What kind of clothes should I wear in winter? In winter, temperatures range from 14-26 °C (57-78 °F), which with nearly 100% humidity can be quite chilly. If you are going to be in the outdoors, we suggest wearing wind-proof clothing, as the humid wind might still go straight through a wool sweater. Also note that there is rarely any central heating in Taiwan, so be prepared to dress in layers even while indoors. The weather will be cooler in the North, and warmer in the south. What kind of clothes should I wear in spring? In spring temperatures usually vary from 19-29 °C (66-84 °F). We suggest bringing a jacket for cold days, but you should mostly prepare for warmer days. Wind-proof clothing is not entirely necessary at this time unless you are riding a scooter. Spring and fall usually have the most comfortable weather, so you shouldn’t worry too much about proper clothing. What kind of clothes should I wear in summer? In summer temperatures usually vary from 26-34 °C (78-93 °F). There will also be high humidity. We suggest wearing shorts, t-shirts, and perhaps a hat for sun protection. I would recommend polyester instead of cotton, as it dries out faster (you will be sweating). Be sure to wear sunscreen if you will be outdoors, and to drink a lot of water. It will be really hot, so be prepared to hide inside convenience stores to get some brief air conditioning before going back into the blazing heat. What kind of clothes should I wear in fall? In autumn, temperatures vary on average from 19-30 °C (66-86 °F). Spring and fall usually have the most comfortable weather, so you shouldn’t worry too much about proper clothing. We would suggest wearing whatever you feel comfortable in at room temperature. Beware though that September and October may have some summer-like heat, so be sure to pack some short sleeved clothes just in case you run into a heat wave. How is the weather in Taipei in November? Record high 34.3 °C (93.7 °F) Average high 24.2 °C (75.6 °F) Daily Mean 21.5 °C (70.7 °F) Average low: 19.3 °C (66.7 °F) Record low: 1.1 °C (34 °F) Avg rainfall, 83.1 cm (3.2 inches) Avg rainy days, 12.4 Avg. Relative humidity: 75% Mean sunshine hours: 99.4 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei#Climate How is the weather in Taipei in December? Record high 31.5 °C (88.7 °F) Average high 20.7 °C (69.3 °F) Daily Mean 17.9 °C (64.2 °F) Average low: 15.6 °C (60.1 °F) Record low: 1.8 °C (35.2 °F) Avg rainfall, 73.3 cm (2.8 inches) Avg rainy days, 11.7 Avg. Relative humidity: 75% Mean sunshine hours: 90.7 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei#Climate What is the weather like in Taipei? Taipei has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are long, hot and humid, and have heavy rainstorms including Typhoons between June and October. Temperatures range from 26-34 °C (78-93 °F). Winters are short and warm with relatively less rain, but have less sunshine. Temperatures range from 14-20 °C (57-68 °F). Why does it rain so much in Taipei?/Why does it always rain in Taipei? Rainstorms are typical in the summer in Taipei due to monsoon weather and Typhoons. Most of the rain falls in the summer, but other months also see rain daily. There are typically between 11-15 rainy days in any given month in Taipei, so it does not always rain in Taipei. How cold does Taipei get? The average low temperature during winter in Taipei is 14 °C (57 °F), but can often get to as low as 10 °C (50 °F), but rarely any lower. The record low temperature in Taipei was recoded in February at -.02 °C (31.9 °F). Also note that it can be very windy on the coast. How cold does Taiwan get? Typically most populated places in Taiwan never get below 10 °C (50 °F). The coldest it has ever gotten on Taiwan’s highest mountain, Jade Mountain, was around -11 °C (13 °F). There are also strong winds on the coasts of Taiwan during winter, especially along the Taiwan Strait. How is the air pollution in Taiwan? Air pollution is usually the worst during winter when the air is stagnant. Often times air pollution can get to unhealthy levels, especially in the larger cities. For the current air pollution index, clickhere. Can I ride a scooter in shorts and flip flops during the winter in Taiwan? You can, and many Taiwanese people do the same. However, it will be really, really cold, so we recommend wearing clothes that are wind proof. Also be aware that wearing flip flops while riding a scooter is technically illegal in Taiwan although I have never heard of this being enforced. How many seasons does Taiwan have? Four, although the temperature variation is less and less pronounced the farther south you go in Taiwan. Are there typhoons in Taiwan? Yes. When is typhoon Season in Taiwan? Typhoon Season is roughly from June to October. What do I do if I am caught in a typhoon? If you are caught in a Typhoon be sure to stay indoors, as flying debris and flooding can kill you. Most Taiwanese buildings are typhoon-proof, and fatalities are usually minimal. Stay indoors, stay high, and you will stay safe. Typhoons may also cause cancelled or delayed flights, so be aware if you are planning to fly from June to October. What is the best time of year to visit Taiwan? In our opinion summer is the best time to visit Taiwan, because that is when there is the most sunshine and the cold winds coming off the Taiwan Strait subside. However, many people cannot stand the Taiwan heat, which can reach 39 °C °F and 100% humidity. Also, if you want to do outdoor activities, river tracing is safest in the winter when there is less rain, but wind surfing is best in the winter when the winds are strong. Whatever you plan to do in Taiwan, the weather is usually bearable and there should be a time of year that suits everyone’s fancy. Have any more questions about the weather in Taiwan? Please leave them in the comments below, and we might just add them to the list! Please like, follow, and share to help everyone know that Taiwan is a great place to vacation year round! 
Cihu Memorial Sculpture Park(慈湖紀念雕塑公園), the mausoleum where Taiwan's former dictator Chiang Kai Shek was buried, and also a park for his unwanted statues.
Foreword:
To answer most questions concerning politics in Taiwan, please see the following brief history of Taiwan: 1912: The Republic of China (ROC, current government of Taiwan), led by the KMT party (Kuomintang) took control of all of mainland China after the Qing dynasty fell. 1945: Japan returned the island of Taiwan to the ROC. 1949: The ROC was defeated by the communist party in mainland China (PRC), and retreated to the island of Taiwan. The ROC protected the islands of Kinmen and Matsu (part of Fujian province) from communist invasion. The ROC was considered the true ruler of China by the UN. 1971: The ROC (Taiwan) was removed from the UN in favor of the PRC. Most nations broke diplomatic relations with Taiwan at this time. 1987: Martial law was lifted in Taiwan, paving the way for free democracy and elections. 2008: The first opposition part president (from the DPP) was elected. 2017: The ROC (and KMT party) still claim mainland China as its territory, but the current ruling DPP party recognizes Taiwan and surrounding islands as an independent nation separate from China. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan politics to those who are learning about this topic for the first time. Is Taiwan a country? Yes! Taiwan is not a province of Communist China, it is its own country economically, politically, democratically, and in substance. What country does Taiwan belong to?/ Is Taiwan its own country? Taiwan is its own country (including surrounding islands such as Kinmen and Matsu), it is also known as the Republic of China. Is Taiwan a province of China (PRC)? No! Is Taiwan Communist? No. Why is Taiwan not a member of the UN? Taiwan is not recognized in the UN because of conflict with China (China and Taiwan governments both claim to be the rightful government of all China, so the UN could only choose one China). For more information, read here for Taiwan’s history with the UN. Taiwan is the largest country by population and economy to not be a member of the UN. Which countries recognize Taiwan (Since When)? Belize (1989) Burkina Faso (1961-1973, 1994) Dominican Republic (1957) El Salvador (1961) Guatemala (1960) Haiti (1956) Honduras (1965) Kiribati (2003) Marshall Islands (1998) Nauru (1980–2002, 2005) Nicaragua (1962-1985, 1990) Palau (1999) Paraguay (1957) Saint Kitts and Nevis (1983) Saint Lucia (1984–1997, 2007) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (1981) Solomon Islands (1983) Swaziland (1968) Tuvalu (1979) Vatican City (The Holy See) (1942) Taken from Wikipedia: Why is Taiwan the ROC? Taiwan originally belonged to Japan. After WW2 in 1945, it was given back to the Republic of China (ROC), the ruling government of China at the time, which they still control to this day, even though they have lost the mainland to China (PRC). Is Taiwan part of China?/Does Taiwan belong to China? No and No. The Republic of China is the official government of Taiwan, whose capital is Taipei, not PRC controlled Beijing. The Republic of China lost mainland China to the communist PRC government during the Chinese Civil War, and now only controls Taiwan and the surrounding islands. Why should Taiwan be a part of China? It should not be a part of China, unless China becomes a true democratic nation that allows free elections. How does Taiwan feel about China? An imposing neighbor, but also integral to their economy. The current ruling party, the DPP, supports Taiwan independence and a Southbound policy to rely more economically on Southeast Asian neighbors rather than China. Why does Taiwan hate China? Some Taiwanese people hate China, but would say most people do not. China and Taiwan’s governments fought a civil war in which the Republic of China (ROC) lost the mainland and retreated to the island of Taiwan. Taiwanese nowadays are more are afraid of Chinese investment and threats to their democracy. What are Wumao? Who are Wumao (50 cent party)? The Wumao is a term for online Chinese communist activists or trolls that relentlessly deny Taiwan’s independent and free democratic status. They are believed to receive payment from the communist party for every post they make (50 cents or Wumao 五毛). For instance, they constantly attack the Twitter posts of president Tsai Ing-wen, even though Twitter is officially banned in China. Why does Taiwan want independence?/Why does Taiwan want to separate from the mainland?/ Why does Taiwan want to separate from China? Taiwan is separate and independent from the mainland, but it wants to be recognized as a separate country by the rest of the world. Taiwan is not recognized by the international community such as the UN. Such recognition would be beneficial for Taiwan’s political and economic ties with other countries. Who is the government of Taiwan? The Republic of China (ROC), whose capital is in Taipei. Not PRC controlled by Beijing. Why does Taiwan consider itself the real China? The Taiwan government (ROC) once controlled mainland China, and considers the ruling PRC in China rebels who have wrongfully taken the mainland. Why does Taiwan claim Tibet and Mongolia? Taiwan (officially the Republic of China) controlled all of mainland China before 1949, and claims that Mongolia and Tibet were part of China at the time, and that both were also ruled by the Qing dynasty. Taiwan no longer claims Mongolia, but they did not recognize Mongolian independence until 2002. The Taiwan government still claims Tibet. Why does Taiwan hate Korea? Taiwan does not hare Korea. However, some bitter feelings may exist after Korea suddenly broke diplomatic ties with the ROC in 1992 in favor of the PRC, among other things such as business competition and sports rivalries. What kind of country is Taiwan? Wonderful, fun, delicious, beautiful, and friendly. What type of government does Taiwan have?/Is Taiwan a democracy? Yes, Taiwan is a democratic republic. They elect their president and legislative representatives through free elections. How does Taiwan elect their executive? Democratically. Executives and local self-governing bodies are elected at four year intervals. What are the major political parties in Taiwan? The KMT (Kuomintang) and DPP (Democratic Progressive Party). What are the policies of the major political parties in Taiwan? The KMT favors eventual reunification with China, and supports the “One China Policy” which according to the 1992 consensus stipulates that there is one China with differing interpretations. Currently the KMT endorses the maintaining the status quo, and the three no policy: “No independence, no unification, and no use of force.” The DPP supports human rights, anti communism, and Taiwan identity. It believes that Taiwan independence is a current fact, making a declaration of independence redundant. The DPP does not support the “One China Policy” and does not recognize the 1992 consensus. It supports the "Southbound Policy,” trying to build economic ties with Southeast Asia rather than China. How does the Taiwan government work? The central government is a democratic republic with a presidency and 5 Yuans (a Yuan is a branch of government), the legislative, judicial, executive, control, and examination Yuans. Who is president of Taiwan? Tsai Ing-wen 蔡英文, of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Where does the Taiwan president live? The Taiwan president Tasi Ing-wen lives in the Presidential Office Building, a red brick structure originally constructed by the Japanese. Why does Taiwan matter? It is an important thriving democracy in direct opposition to communist China. It proves that free democracy is possible despite the PRCs efforts to suppress democracy and free speech throughout greater China (including Hong Kong). Who is Chinese Taipei?/ What is Chinese Taipei? It is the name of Taiwan used in sporting events such as the Olympics as to not upset its bully neighbor the PRC (China). Who is the mayor of Taipei? Ke Wen-je 柯文哲. Why is Taipei the best city? Taipei is the best city because it has a modern infrastructure and transportation systems, world class talent, a safe environment, low cost of living, and friendly people. It is not the best city because of its weather; many cities in Taiwan have a more tolerable climate than Taipei. Does Taiwan have nuclear weapons? No. But it tried to obtain them in the past. However, due to pressure from the U.S., it abandoned such plans. Where does Taiwan get its energy? As of 2014, 48% came from oil, 29.2% came from coal, 12.2% came from natural gas, 8.8% from nuclear, 1.2% from biomass and waste, and .5% from other renewable energy resources. Have any more questions about politics in Taiwan? Please leave them in the comments below, and we might just add them to the list! Please like, follow, and share to help everyone know that Taiwan is a free independent country! |
Author 作家We are US Expats that have extensive experience living, working, and travelling in Taiwan. In our day, we had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But we have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. Our blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. We are just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country. Archives 檔案
February 2023
Categories
|
RSS Feed