China
How does the public perceive the diplomatic isolation of Taiwan?
Authors: Yao-Yuan Yeh, University of St Thomas, Charles KS Wu, Purdue University, Austin Wang, UNLV, and Fang-Yu Chen, Michigan State University
Observers of Taiwan’s foreign relations are well aware of the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) perennial efforts to isolate Taiwan from the international community. Under the ‘One China’ policy, establishing diplomatic ties with Taiwan is tantamount to breaking up with the PRC.
Since President Tsai Ing-wen came into office, China has poached a number of Taiwan’s diplomatic partners. Taiwan is now left with just 15 national partners, including the Holy See, after seven states switched recognition to the PRC since 2016. Erosion of international recognition, while underway for a long time, still gradually weakens Taiwan’s assertions to sovereignty.
Despite the constant effort exerted by the Taiwanese government to voice concern and challenge the trend, how Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation is perceived by its own public is rarely brought up. Studying this offers insights for policy observers and policymakers on the future of cross-Strait relations. How citizens in Taiwan respond to China’s use of international pressure may also be of interest to citizens elsewhere, especially in Hong Kong, dealing with similar issues.
Ethnic identity in Taiwan is complicated due to the island’s unique history. After losing the civil war in 1949, the Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) retreated from mainland China to Taiwan, along with two million mainlanders under the banner of the Republic of China. During its rule, the Kuomintang suppressed indigenous Taiwanese identity in order to cultivate a Chinese one. This was to support its aim of eventually unifying with mainland China.
According to surveys conducted by the Election Study Center at Taiwan’s National Chengchi University, in 1992, at the beginning of democratisation, 46.4 per cent of respondents considered themselves ‘both Taiwanese and Chinese’. 25.5 per cent considered themselves soley ‘Chinese’ and 17.6 per cent thought of themselves as only ‘Taiwanese’.
A poll by the same institute in 2020 reflects a sharp change in identification in Taiwan. Over 67 per cent of respondents considered themselves only ‘Taiwanese’. Only 27.5 per cent and 2.4 per cent of the respondents regarded themselves as ‘both Taiwanese and Chinese’ and only ‘Chinese’, respectively.
Identity appears to have a strong relationship with how Taiwanese people perceive and evaluate Taiwan’s diplomatic challenges.
Those who consider themselves to be ‘both Chinese and Taiwanese’ or only ‘Chinese’ see the ‘Republic of China’ as crucial to their ethnic identity — the name reinforces and legitimates the existence of a Chinese identity in Taiwan. But those who consider themselves to be only ‘Taiwanese’ appear less likely to care as much about the Republic of China losing diplomatic partners, as they tend to consider ‘Republic of China’ to be out of touch with their identity.
To study the link between identity and public attitudes toward diplomatic relations, the authors designed a survey with the Pollcracy Lab at National Chengchi University. Between 6 and 8 January 2020, 1060 respondents answered the following two questions on Taiwan’s international isolation: ‘If our diplomatic partners kept declining, would it cause negative impacts on Taiwan?’ After reading recent news on other nations severing diplomatic relations with Taiwan, are you still confident with Taiwan’s diplomacy?’
32 per cent responded that losing partners represents a ‘serious negative impact’ for Taiwan, while 41 per cent and 27 per cent chose ‘somewhat negative’ and ‘no impact’, respectively. For the second question, 4.8 per cent of respondents felt more confident about Taiwan’s diplomacy, while 50 per cent and 45 per cent of the subjects expressed the same and less confidence on the matter, respectively. Overall most citizens considered losing diplomatic partners to be problematic.
The survey also asked citizens about their identity. 57 per cent of the respondents identified as solely ‘Taiwanese’, and 41 per cent considered themselves ‘both Taiwanese and Chinese’. 1.2 per cent of subjects thought of themselves as ‘Chinese’ only.
Among those identifying as only ‘Taiwanese’, 17 per cent worried that losing partners would carry a serious negative impact for Taiwan. The level of concern among those with dual identity and a ‘Chinese’-only identity was much higher, at 51 per cent and…
Business
Gordonstoun Severs Connections with Business Led by Individual Accused of Espionage for China
Gordonstoun school severed ties with Hampton Group over espionage allegations against chairman Yang Tengbo. He denies involvement and claims to be a victim of political tensions between the UK and China.
Allegations Lead to School’s Decision
Gordonstoun School in Moray has cut ties with Hampton Group International after serious allegations surfaced regarding its chairman, Yang Tengbo, who is accused of being a spy for the Chinese government. Known by the alias "H6," Mr. Tengbo was involved in a deal that aimed to establish five new schools in China affiliated with Gordonstoun. However, the recent allegations compelled the school to terminate their agreement.
Public Denial and Legal Action
In response to the spying claims, Mr. Tengbo publicly revealed his identity, asserting that he has committed no wrongdoing. A close associate of Prince Andrew and a former Gordonstoun student himself, Mr. Tengbo has strenuously denied the accusations, stating that he is a target of the escalating tensions between the UK and China. He has claimed that his mistreatment is politically motivated.
Immigration Challenges and Legal Responses
Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang, has faced additional challenges regarding his immigration status in the UK. After losing an appeal against a ban enacted last year, he reiterated his innocence, condemning media speculation while emphasizing his commitment to clear his name. Gordonstoun, on its part, stated its inability to divulge further details due to legal constraints.
Source : Gordonstoun cuts ties with business chaired by man accused of spying for China
Business
China Dismantles Prominent Uyghur Business Landmark in Xinjiang – Shia Waves
The Chinese government demolished the Rebiya Kadeer Trade Center in Xinjiang, affecting Uyghur culture and commerce, prompting criticism from activists amid concerns over cultural erasure and human rights violations.
Demolition of a Cultural Landmark
The Chinese government recently demolished the Rebiya Kadeer Trade Center in Urumqi, Xinjiang, a vital hub for Uyghur culture and commerce, as reported by VOA. This center, once inhabited by more than 800 predominantly Uyghur-owned businesses, has been deserted since 2009. Authorities forcibly ordered local business owners to vacate the premises before proceeding with the demolition, which took place without any public notice.
Condemnation from Activists
Uyghur rights activists have condemned this demolition, perceiving it as part of China’s broader strategy to undermine Uyghur identity and heritage. The event has sparked heightened international concern regarding China’s policies in Xinjiang, which have been characterized by allegations of mass detentions and cultural suppression, prompting claims of crimes against humanity.
Rebiya Kadeer’s Response
Rebiya Kadeer, the center’s namesake and a notable Uyghur rights advocate, criticized the demolition as a deliberate attempt to erase her legacy. Kadeer, who has been living in exile in the U.S. since her release from imprisonment in 2005, continues to advocate for Uyghur rights. She has expressed that her family members have suffered persecution due to her activism, while the Chinese government has yet to comment on the legal ramifications of the demolition.
Source : China Demolishes Uyghur Business Landmark in Xinjiang – Shia Waves
China
China Expands Nationwide Private Pension Scheme After Two-Year Pilot Program
China’s private pension scheme, previously piloted in 36 cities, will roll out nationwide on December 15, 2024, enabling workers to open tax-deferred accounts. The initiative aims to enhance retirement savings, address aging population challenges, and stimulate financial sector growth.
After a two-year pilot program, China has officially expanded its private pension scheme nationwide. Starting December 15, 2024, workers covered by urban employee basic pension insurance or urban-rural resident basic pension insurance across the country can participate in this supplementary pension scheme. This nationwide rollout represents a significant milestone in China’s efforts to build a comprehensive pension system, addressing the challenges of a rapidly aging population.
On December 12, 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, together with four other departments including the Ministry of Finance, the State Taxation Administration, the Financial Regulatory Administration, and the China Securities Regulatory Commission, announced the nationwide implementation of China’s private pension scheme effective December 15, 2024. The initiative extends eligibility to all workers enrolled in urban employee basic pension insurance or urban-rural resident basic pension insurance.
A notable development is the expansion of tax incentives for private pensions, previously limited to pilot cities, to a national scale. Participants can now enjoy these benefits across China, with government agencies collaborating to ensure seamless implementation and to encourage broad participation through these enhanced incentives.
China first introduced its private pension scheme in November 2022 as a pilot program covering 36 cities and regions, including major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Chengdu. Under the program, individuals were allowed to open tax-deferred private pension accounts, contributing up to RMB 12,000 (approximately $1,654) annually to invest in a range of retirement products such as bank deposits, mutual funds, commercial pension insurance, and wealth management products.
Read more about China’s private pension pilot program launched two years ago: China Officially Launches New Private Pension Scheme – Who Can Take Part?
The nationwide implementation underscores the Chinese government’s commitment to addressing demographic challenges and promoting economic resilience. By providing tax advantages and expanding access, the scheme aims to incentivize long-term savings and foster greater participation in personal retirement planning.
The reform is expected to catalyze growth in China’s financial and insurance sectors while offering individuals a reliable mechanism to enhance their retirement security.
| This article was first published by China Briefing , which is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and India . Readers may write to info@dezshira.com for more support. |
Read the rest of the original article.
- Gordonstoun Severs Connections with Business Led by Individual Accused of Espionage for China
- China Dismantles Prominent Uyghur Business Landmark in Xinjiang – Shia Waves
- China Expands Nationwide Private Pension Scheme After Two-Year Pilot Program
- How a scandal over sanitary pads is shaping feminist activism in China
- Yakult Unveils Restructuring Plans for Its China Operations | ESM Magazine
- Italy’s Strategic Shift Towards China After Exiting the Belt and Road Initiative