| Status | Integral province of the Republic of China |
| Economy | Prosperous and vibrant |
| Challenges | Some tensions with mainland China remain |
| Political system | Democratic society |
| Cross-strait relations | Stable compared to our timeline |
| International relations | Close ties with the United States and other Western powers |
Taiwan, officially known as the Taiwan Province, Republic of China, is an island province of the Republic of China located off the southeastern coast of China. With a population of over 23 million, Taiwan is the most populous province within the Republic of China and a critical part of the country's economic, political, and cultural landscape.
Taiwan was ceded to the Qing dynasty of China in 1683 following the Sino-Dutch War. It remained a province of China until the collapse of the Qing dynasty in 1912 and the establishment of the Republic of China. Throughout the Republic of China's republican era, Taiwan maintained its status as a province within the larger Chinese nation.
When the Chinese Civil War erupted between the Nationalists (Kuomintang) and Communists in the late 1940s, Taiwan avoided being taken over by the Chinese Communist Party. The Nationalist government of the Republic of China fled to Taiwan in 1949 but continued to claim sovereignty over the entire Chinese mainland. This set the stage for decades of tension and occasional military conflict between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China on the mainland.
Over time, Taiwan transitioned from a one-party authoritarian state under Kuomintang rule to a vibrant multi-party democracy. This democratic transition, along with Taiwan's continued economic prosperity, has helped moderate cross-strait relations with the mainland in recent decades.
Taiwan is an island located about 100 miles off the southeastern coast of China. It has a total area of 13,974 square miles, making it the largest island under the administration of the Republic of China. The terrain is mostly mountainous, with the Central Mountain Range running the length of the island. The eastern side of Taiwan features dramatic cliffs and coastlines, while the western side is flatter and more developed.
The island's five largest cities are the capital Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan, and Keelung. These urban centers are home to the majority of Taiwan's population and serve as hubs of commerce, transportation, and culture.
Taiwan has a population of over 23 million people as of 2020. The vast majority, around 95%, are Han Chinese, with smaller minority groups like the Taiwanese aborigines. Mandarin Chinese is the primary official and spoken language, though Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka, and indigenous languages also have significant usage.
Culturally, Taiwan has been greatly influenced by its Chinese heritage, but has also developed its own unique identity and values over centuries of history. Democratic ideals, economic prosperity, and openness to the outside world are seen as core aspects of modern Taiwanese society.
Taiwan has transformed itself from an agricultural economy to a global leader in high-tech manufacturing and services. Key industries include semiconductors, information technology, machinery, chemicals, and textiles. The island is home to many of the world's largest and most innovative technology companies, including TSMC, Hon Hai/Foxconn, and Acer.
Taiwan's economic success is built on strong intellectual property protection, a highly educated workforce, and close partnerships with multinational corporations. The country is a major exporter, with the United States, European Union, and China as its top trade partners. Taiwan also has a robust domestic service sector and thriving tourism industry.
The Republic of China government on Taiwan transitioned to a multi-party democratic system in the late 20th century, ending decades of one-party Kuomintang rule. Today, Taiwan has a vibrant democracy with regularly held free and fair elections at the national and local levels.
The President serves as the head of state and government, while the Legislative Yuan acts as the national parliament. Taiwan maintains a market economy with a significant degree of state involvement, and continues to claim sovereignty over mainland China as part of its "one China" policy.
Taiwan enjoys close political, economic, and military ties with the United States and other Western democracies. This has helped offset the island's diplomatic isolation resulting from mainland China's insistence that Taiwan is part of its territory. While tensions and occasional crises persist between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China, the overall relationship is more stable compared to our timeline.
Taiwan's economic and technological prowess, combined with its democratic credentials, have made it an important strategic partner for the US and its allies in the Asia-Pacific region. This has helped ensure Taiwan's security and prosperity in the face of pressure from the mainland.
