Does Taiwan still matter to mainland China?
Taiwanese played a crucial role in helping the mainland transform itself in the post-reform era, but with over 70,000 Taiwanese companies now operating on the other side of the Taiwan Strait, just how important is the ‘renegade island’ to Beijing?
Barely one or two decades ago, Taiwan was envied by China as it presented many developments that people on the mainland viewed as desirable.
For the communist leadership, Taiwan’s rapid transformation from an agrarian economy to an industrial and then post-industrial society, as well as its economic miracle as one of the “four Asia dragons”, provided a model for China’s development.
For local officials on the mainland, seeking Taiwanese investment topped their agenda as regions were competing for such funds and technology for their development.
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For many Chinese, the books of Taiwan’s acclaimed romance novelist Chiung Yao or the melodies of pop singer Teresa Teng were among their most sought-after forms of entertainment.
Indeed, Taiwanese have played a very important role in helping transform China in the post-reform era, particular its economic rise.
Taiwanese investment also helped make China become the world’s leading manufacturer and exporter. Moreover, the island’s popular culture has helped change the way of life in this communist-ruled nation.