Preamble:
Abbreviations
ROC - Republic of China, de facto government of Taiwan
PRC - People’s Republic of China, de facto government of China
CCP - Chinese Communist Party, largest political party in China
My Case
My case here will be relatively straightforward. I will show that the ROC has a strong claim to Taiwan, that the ROC does a better job of governing than the PRC, and that handing over control of Taiwan to the PRC would result in a lot of unnecessary strife. To establish these, I’ll examine historical claims, benefits of democracy, each government’s commitment to protecting human freedoms, the economic systems of both countries, and Taiwanese views of unification.
1. Historical Claims:
The PRC Never Governed Taiwan
The PRC was founded in 1949 after a
violent civil war. Essentially, the PRC took the mainland by force. However, the PRC failed to take Taiwan. Violently seizing part of a country does not entitle the aggressor to the rest of that country. If the Confederacy had succeeded in taking the southern half of the United States, it would not entitle them to the northern states.
Current Taiwanese Government
The Republic of China (ROC) was
established in 1912 and
began governing Taiwan in 1945. Both of these events happened before the existence of the PRC. The ROC did not cease to exist, it just relocated its central base of power. Taiwan is a sovereign state.
2. Democratic Rule:
Democracy is Preferable to Authoritarianism
As Churchill said, “democracy is the worst form of government – except for all the others that have been tried.” We should prefer democratic governments to authoritarian ones for a number of reasons:
- The interests of the government align with the interests of citizens
- Free elections prevent the abuse of centralized power
- Various parties can represent the interests of various voting blocs
- A free press can support opposing views, especially those that expose corruption in the government
The PRC is Authoritarian
Taiwanese Officials are Democratically Elected
3. Recent Track Record on Human Freedoms:
When the PRC took Hong Kong, they did not let Hong Kong self-govern, and their treatment of Taiwan would no doubt be similar. This means that the PRC would have no qualms about committing the same human rights abuses in Taiwan that they commit on their own citizens.
PRC Detainment of Uyghur Muslims
PRC Restrictions on Freedom of Speech
ROC and Freedom of Speech
4. Economic Consequences:
PRC seizure of Hong Kong has led to major economic pitfalls. We can expect similar consequences if they take Taiwan.
Cautionary Example of Hong Kong
The
National Security Law is a hazard for foreign businesses. Hong Kong was once an
international financial hub and an inspiring example of economic prosperity when it was free of the PRC’s draconian economic restrictions. But recent attempts to exert control on Hong Kong by the PRC undo much of the progress of the last hundred years.
Taiwan’s Economy
Taiwanese innovation has been an essential part of the world economy, with the growth of the semiconductor industry and the more recent shift toward software. China, in contrast, relies on
manufacturing and
child labor loopholes. In the short term, China would benefit by hijacking the production of semiconductors, but the PRC’s command economy puts a
major burden on innovation. Taiwan
ranks above China on technological infrastructure, scientific infrastructure, and innovation capability.
5. Keeping the Peace:
Taiwanese View of Unification
Consequences of Unification
If Taiwan was ruled by the PRC, it would be an extremely unpopular regime imposed by force. We would see extreme political strife, similar to the kind that occurred in
Hong Kong. Consent of the governed is necessary to
prevent conflict and unhappiness, and the PRC’s overreach has continued to prove this.
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Yeah ik. It was my bad attempt at a joke.
I would've taken this debate anyway.
Even if you were defending the PRC and I was defending Taiwan's current government.
I wish you the best in your new life as a tankie
Essentially my position
Will accept this debate when I get the chance, unless someone else takes it.
"the status quo is that Taiwanese people are losing confidence due to a lack of organization of the current government."
I don't think they are losing confidence in the government, rather, they are just weary of the PRC and the US's relationship souring. Taiwan is probably going to be a focal point of a lot of future modern conflicts, and I don't think Taiwanese people want so much "military attention." I think the status quo of Taiwan being completely independent from both the PRC and the US should stay, as that is the most peaceful option.
If it helps, I could screenshot all the sources I use and link to that.
Well, media on the Mainland of China tend to only report one side of the issue because how the entire west is factored against China and people need to hold a specific point of view for reasons.
That said, based on my knowledge which is just common sense in local news and newspaper, the status quo is that Taiwanese people are losing confidence due to a lack of organization of the current government. I firmly hold the CON position, as well as the belief that you are going to throw links that I can't open if I accept.
I am not interested in this because I am literally morally obligated to use "normal" approaches because I am actually Chinese. Nobody in my country would like it if I win it with dozens of
"well actually" moments.
Leave it to those who has ink in their internals, not a railgun.
I agree with you... I am just wondering how to argue the other side.. Gonna noodle this one.
Not sure about your view on this particular issue, but you're free to accept.