American Panda

The tensions between Taiwan and China have deep historical roots. The island of Taiwan was under Japanese colonial rule from 1895 to 1945. During this time, Japan modernized Taiwan through education reform, urbanization, and economic development. However, much of this modernization was achieved via forced labor, exploitation of farmworkers and women, and redistribution of indigenous Taiwanese land. After Japan’s defeat in World War II, the Allies granted administrative control of Taiwan to China while the Chinese Civil War between the Nationalist Party (Kuomintang, or KMT) and the Communist Party of China (CPC) was ongoing. After their defeat in 1949, the KMT retreated to Taiwan, establishing the Republic of China (ROC) government on the island, while the CPC established the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland. Many Chinese families, like Mei’s ancestors, fled the mainland for Taiwan to escape communist rule. Some argue that the ROC government brought administrative order to the island after the chaos of Japanese rule, while others, like Mei’s first roommate Leslie, view the ROC’s actions as the further displacement of Indigenous communities and the imposition of another new political authority.

Since 1949, both the ROC on Taiwan and the PRC on the mainland have claimed to be the legitimate government of all of China. The international community, for several decades, recognized the ROC as the legitimate representative of China, but in the early 1970s, the United Nations expelled the ROC, recognizing the PRC as the sole representative of China. Most countries switched diplomatic recognition to the PRC, leaving Taiwan with limited international recognition and power. Thus, over the years, the relationship between Taiwan and China has experienced periods of both tension and relative stability. Today, China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has not renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Meanwhile, Taiwan maintains its own government, military, and borders, operating as a separate entity with de facto independence. Tensions have heightened in recent years due to China’s increasing military assertiveness in the region and its efforts to diplomatically isolate Taiwan. While some desire Chinese unification, others continue to advocate for Taiwanese autonomous recognition. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing political, economic, and military factors shaping the relationship between Taiwan and China.

This historical context is essential for understanding the complexities surrounding modern Taiwanese and Chinese identity as explored in American Panda. The historical tensions between Taiwan, China, and Japan often trickle down and present themselves as modern prejudices, as depicted by Mei’s mother in the novel. Overall, although Taiwanese and Chinese culture may differ in terms of regional language, politics, and geography, they necessarily overlap and share other aspects, such as food and cultural traditions.