[eloff]

> However a considerable minority (maybe even a majority in business circles) in Taiwan see themselves as Chinese and are not at all sympathetic to US containment policies on China.

That's an odd position for anyone living in Taiwan to take, seeing as how their democracy and country exist only because China does not yet have the military strength to change that. I find it highly probable that they cease to exist as a separate entity within the next two decades.

[milofeynman]

That's because they're not Taiwanese :) they're spreading Chinese propaganda talking points.

[throwaway4good]

If you dig deeper into it you would probably find that this is not a black and white issue at all. After all there is reason why it is called "Republic of China".

[eloff]

Nothing is black and white, I still find it hard to believe that could ever be a non minority view though.

[will4274]

> After all there is reason why it is called "Republic of China".

Surely one of those reasons is that if they changed the name, the "People's Republic of China" would invade?

[throwaway4good]

It is because the founders of the nation saw themselves as Chinese and the rightful rulers of all of China.

If you are Taiwanese and you trace family back to before 1949, your family is likely to be somewhere in China.

As for the business community, most of Taiwan’s trade is with the mainland. Probably explains why it is more sympathetic.

[will4274]

Many Taiwanese would tell you, it was for the reason you say, back in 1949, but today, it is for the reason I said.