Delicate State
Although the Nationalist government that sought exile in Taiwan comprises only 15 percent of the population, it has dominated the island’s political and economic activities for decades. Recently, however, many who fled to Taiwan from the mainland over 60 years ago, taking much of China’s wealth with them, are returning. They, or their descendants, are sharing both their increasing wealth from one of the world’s most lucrative economies, and their valuable skills as members of a technologically progressive and economically powerful society. Although China still has a communist government, economic growth—spurred in part by Taiwanese influence—is a compelling force for democratic changes. As China develops into an economic super-power, with the military might to go with it, the troublesome relationship with Taiwan will likely become increasingly difficult to handle, involving the US and other countries in the ongoing struggle over Taiwan’s status.