Should Taiwan go its own way?

Taiwan's parliament has been voting on a bill that would allow the island to hold referendums.

China's leadership opposes such a move, fearing that once the mechanism for referendums is established it could allow Taiwan to one day declare formal independence.

Beijing has threatened to act if Taiwan, which it regards as a renegade province, makes any moves towards changing its status.

Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian won the right to call a referendum on independence if China attacked.

But the opposition pushed through restrictions on who can call such a vote and on which subjects, effectively blocking referendums on sensitive issues such as sovereignty and changing Taiwan's name.

Should the Taiwanese people be allowed to go their own way? Or should they avoid antagonising China? Send us your comments.

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The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:

This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.

Your reaction:

Yes, Taiwan should become independent. The country has made great political progress in the past decade, and the people should be rewarded with support from the West, to hold a referendum to determine their own future. Most of the Taiwanese population are ethnically Taiwanese, and have significant cultural differences from the mainland Chinese.
David, Milwaukee, WI, USA

If we think human beings are making the globe better, I'm afraid we are making a really bad example for our children Chih-min Chen, Taiwan

This question is ironic itself if we consider human beings' societies are heading for democracy in the 21st century. 22 million Taiwanese are making a major progress on democracy for their own rights. Suddenly they realized moving towards democracy is offending another less democratic country and would need an approval from this country. Furthermore, half of the world is questioning the simple and peaceful wish of the 22 million people - to make Taiwan more democratic. Is it how political justification overruling justice? If we think human beings are making the globe better, I'm afraid we are making a really bad example for our children.
Chih-min Chen, Taiwan

If a country which has its own government, currency, law and constitute, plus whose citizens vote for their own president, shouldn't declare its sovereignty because of hundreds of missiles aimed at us. Then, people in the world, before you decide whether you are an independent human being, you'd better make sure you don't have a neighbour who's pointing a gun at your head and say "no".
Sherri Wei, Taipei, Taiwan

Lois from Leeds seems to be confused. First she argues that China and Taiwan are like a mother and child, then she argues that they are the same country. Seems to me that if China and Taiwan are like mother and child then they must be two distinct nations! After all, my mother and I are two distinct people (no denying we're in the same family and share the same blood, but I'm able to take a shower without her in the same bathroom and I couldn't do that if we were the same person!).
Hsifeng, NYC, USA

Taiwan has shown the world over the last 13 years that its people are capable of managing their own political and economic destiny. It is a model of pluralism and freedoms for Asia. I'm not surprised China sees it as a threat (more ideological than anything else). It should not be regarded as part of China on ethnic grounds, nor on spurious and selective historical grounds.
Peter D., Singapore

Regardless of how Taiwan and China were connected in history, Taiwan has a totally different culture, political system, and even language from China at present. It is now the very moment to rethink its position either for its own good or for the global community. The ambivalent role of Taiwan (a province or an independent country) has really retarded its development. Thus, for a better future, Taiwan has the right to speak out its name.
Yi-ling Yang, Taiwan

The reason for those Chinese who immigrant to Taiwan generations ago was to get away from their miserable lives in China. Therefore, it makes no sense to me that China now claims Taiwan as its possession.
George , Irvine, CA, USA

I totally agree with John's comments "Taiwan is to China as the United States was to Great Britain 230 years ago." Having the same roots does not mean being the same nation. Taiwan is a country in itself and Taiwanese have a right to self determination. Lets hope this doesn't turn out to be another Tibet.
Amitabh Deo, West Lafayette, US

They belong to the same family Lois, Leeds, UK

The relationship between the mainland and Taiwan is so similar to that between a mother and her child. They belong to the same family, China. How can the child, Taiwan disengage from his mother and his family? The blood inside their bodies is exactly the same. If your child denies that you are not his/her parents, how would you feel? Every country has its own rules. The policy "one country two systems" in China gives the Taiwanese sufficient freedom to choose which way they want to further develop.
Lois, Leeds, UK (Chinese national)

China's assertion that the people of Taiwan are really just Chinese living on an island is too simplistic. In that case the US and Canada would immediately become English possessions again. We have lived under our own set of rules and government for so long we are our very own country.
David Kendall, USA

Taiwan is always a part of China. This is a fact nobody can change.
Xiao Wang, Giessen, Germany

China desperately wants to become one of the world's economic powers and have more involvement in world politics Matt, Germany

If Taiwan does decide to declare independence they could not have picked a better time. China desperately wants to become one of the world's economic powers and have more involvement in world politics. Further I do not believe that they would wish to provoke any form of conflict with either the US, the EU or UN, all of which as I believe already recognise Taiwan in its own right. Regardless of the history, if the Taiwanese people want independence they should go for it and use the timing to their full advantage.
Matt, Germany

Of course the Taiwanese should be allowed to choose their own path. Sadly though, the greed of the large global corporations who are hoping to make a killing in the Chinese markets, and the amount of power they wield in Washington, means that the world will look the other way if the PRC decides otherwise.
Stuart W, London, UK

Taiwan is to China as the United States was to Great Britain 230 years ago. They have the same roots and similar culture, but the political ideologies are vastly divergent and not compatible - yet. If China (PRC) continues on the course towards democracy and an open society and Hong Kong continues to maintain freedoms that they had before reunification with China then Taiwan should consider becoming a formal part of China again if they so choose. Until that time, Taiwan has just as much right to independence from China as the US did from Britain 230 years ago.
John, NJ, USA

People in Taiwan have the right to get rid of China's threats. It is unfair for 2300 million people in Taiwan that they were isolated during SARS outbreak. The reason for their isolation was that China DID NOT allow UN to help the Taiwanese people! Taiwan has its own currency, constitution, military, and laws, and elected president. Of course, Taiwan is an independent country. Taiwanese people have the right to decide their future and they need UN's support.
Pamela, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Definitely not! Taiwan is not a country itself, it belongs to China as the Taiwanese are true descendants of China. There were Chinese to begins with and die a Chinese regardless. Breaking away does not change anything for them except creating bad blood and dangers for its citizens!
Bao Bei, Canada

Regardless of what the Taiwanese want to do, Taiwan is always a part of China Yong Cui, York, UK

Regardless of what the Taiwanese want to do, Taiwan is always a part of China. Just refer to any history book, you will find that even 2000 years ago, the people from mainland have ruled and lived in Taiwan Island. And this situation is kept till ww2. Taiwan is just separated from China temporarily, and will be reunited sooner or later. No one can change the history tide. As Taiwan is a part of China, every Chinese people, not only the Taiwanese, has the right to determine the future of Taiwan, a part of their country.
Yong Cui, York, UK

Taiwan is already a separate nation with a separate culture and history, the Chinese are simply trying to expand their empire.
Richard T. Ketchum, USA

Fundamentally, these people should have the right to pursue independence. If this is what the people of Taiwan want, then they must be dissatisfied with the way things are presently.
Margaret, USA

This is about democratic self-determination for Taiwan. The Taiwanese people have the right to determine their own future, without any interference.
Charles, Muenster, Germany (citizen of the USA)

I agree that Taiwan should be able to exert their right to self-determination. But at the same time I almost hope they don't. In a world where my country is wrongfully invading countries left and right, the last thing the world needs is the only country that could actually challenge the US invading other countries.
Conor, Chicago, USA

Taiwan is an independent country. We have our own president who is directly elected by people. Absolutely Taiwan should go its own way. Taiwan is what Taiwan is. And China is China. It exists quite difference between them. China does not have any reason to decide Taiwanese future. Only Taiwanese can decide by themselves.
Wen-Yuan Lee, Derby, UK

I do not see why Taiwan can not be stand alone as an independent country. After all, Taiwan has been a country for a long time, who enjoys very strong economy and stable politics. Taiwanese have to fight harder in order to gain recognition from international society. Taiwanese must not be intimidated by the threats from China. All their achievement, from their own hands, will go down into the drain if Taiwanese just follow what China says.
Alex Wong, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Taiwan, a fragile democracy under the Chinese gun, deserves the support of all fellow democracies in the international community. No other ways are more peaceful than referendum for the people in Taiwan to decide their own future. Unification with China should not be imposed by China with missiles threat on the Taiwanese as their destiny.

In spite of the fact that most countries do not recognize Taiwan diplomatically under the pressure of China, Taiwan has been a peace-loving and responsible member of the international community and would continue to fight for its democratic course and contribute to the world.
Wen-Hsien Chen, Taiwan

I think people just miss the whole point! It has got nothing to do with democracy, referendums or independence. It is about NATIONAL SECURITY!
It's the same as the Cuban crisis in the 60's. Just image how China would re-act with US pointing their missiles at China from Taiwan?
Soun, England

It's totally up to the Taiwanese people. James from Israel is right though, it will be interesting to see what the UN does if China does take action. Could this be another Tibet and another chance for the western world to show it's hypocrisy and ignore what occurs?
Neil, Wrexham, Wales

There's no need for a big hoo-hah Ashley Chia, Singapore

I feel that Taiwan should remain part of China. The first people that lived in Taiwan were people from the Fujian province in mainland China. Taiwan has always been a part of China and should remain that way. The only reason why Taiwan wants to break away is because of the difference in political ideologies. I'm sure it can be resolved over time and there's no need for a big hoo-hah.
Ashley Chia, Singapore

Bravo Taiwanese, they must have their inherent right to decide their own future. Taiwan is NOT a part of China, definitely! Taiwan has a distinct culture from China is NOT a second Tibet. Take this good opportunity to step toward to your independence, don't fear China's threats at all, Taiwanese. I, a Vietnamese, am always beside you and support your own way. An independent Taiwan will definitely come in your Taiwanese people it is nearly time.
Nguyen Van Vinh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

I think that the whole world should recognize Taiwan's right to determine its future. Taiwan is a democracy and it shouldn't be left under the threat of a communist dictatorship. The world has to realize that all dictatorships will have to disappear sooner or later, appeasing them is only wrong and short-sighted. The world should defend Taiwan, if ever it comes under Chinese aggression.
Andrea Baucero, Milano, Italy

Nobody can deprive the right of Taiwanese who go their own way. China have to admit democracy Taiwan is totally different from communism China.
Lily, ChangHua Taiwan

For 13 years, I've been married to a woman who was born in Taipei, and I'm deeply concerned about Taiwan's future. My wife's came from China after WW2 while her mother is a Taiwanese. My wife used to regard herself as "Chinese" when I met her, but she doesn't do so any longer. She has changed and no longer considers her land as part of China. Whether its' claim is historically correct or not, what is most important is how Taiwan's inhabitants think of themselves and their land NOW. The world has to allow them to determine their own future by themselves. I suppose this is one of the most fundamental principles of democracy, and it should be upheld here too.
Ken, Kobe, Japan

The people of Taiwan have the right to vote for reunification or independence. The UN should assist in ensuring a free election - if a vote is the will of the people of Taiwan.
Hugh, California

Those who would argue that Taiwan's pre-ordained destiny is to be part of China have every right to their opinion, especially as Taiwan's culture is indeed close to that of China. However, no-one should ever, ever, assume that this means the Taiwanese should not or cannot be asked what they think in a referendum. It is their country after all. Additionally, for those that fear that China can be 'provoked' by 'irresponsible' democratic action on Taiwan's part the two following costs to China should be understood: Taiwan is the biggest foreign investor in China and Taiwan's missiles can reach Hong Kong and Shanghai. The Beijing government is smart and recognises these problems despite their rhetoric.
James Waldron, Shanghai, China (UK national)

I do not see why Taiwan should not be recognised as an independent country. If the people want to then who on earth has the power to say no? If East Timor was liberated, why not Taiwan? As for history, the State of Kedah in Malaysia has stopped paying tribute to the King of Siam.
Ngui Aaron, Malaysia, Penang

As it is not allowed constitutionally to any country to surrender its own part of land, I think it will be a shame and foolishness for the Chinese government to allow Taiwan to be fully independent because that will lead all regions in the country to demand the Independence as it happened to USSR.
Charles Richard, Tanzania

Taiwan is for Taiwanese citizens. Civilisation is always improving. But we imagine civilization come with war historically. Civilisation should be a much better thing and hope they can advance on this.
Masa, Japan

I'm an Australian who has lived in Taiwan for 15 years and I also hold ROC citizenship. Anybody who values freedom will tell you that the right to decide your own destiny should be left to the voting public. Peoples who have been forced together such as the old USSR and Yugoslavia eventually break apart. China's belligerence and nationalistic tendencies cannot be overlooked. We cannot allow that to deter the people here the freedom to choose their own future, just as Singapore was allowed to cede from Malaysia, and Brunei to remain a small, yet independent state.
Jim Edstein, Tabang Village, Taiwan

Taiwan and the mainland have far much more in common than whatever possible dissimilarities. Economically and socially, reunification is more of a When than an If. To press for independence is not only foolhardy, but goes against the tide of history.
Tom, University City, USA

It should work for one unified and free China Will McElgin, Chicago, USA

Taiwan is historically part of China. For centuries outside powers have tried to pull Taiwan away from the mainland. Ultimately it will have to return to its rightful place as true independence is out of the question. At the same time the US has a responsibility to ensure that the people of Taiwan are not subjugated by the Chinese communist party. For at least the next 30 years we will have the naval power to do so. China should drop its demand for one country two systems. Rather it should work for one unified and free China.
Will McElgin, Chicago, USA

Whether or not Taiwan likes it, free market economics is gradually causing Taiwanese companies to invest in mainland China, as wages in Taiwan are astronomical by comparison. China can afford to lose trade with Taiwan, but I have huge doubts as to whether Taiwan will be able to afford to lose trade with China.
Graeme Phillips, Berlin, Germany (normally UK)

I think a referendum will be in place sooner or later regardless of whether the Chinese government like it or not. On the other hand, as polls indicated that the majority of Taiwan people like the current status quo, the referendum, should it happen in the near future, must reflect this opinion. A referendum does not necessarily mean independence. As a proud Chinese, I would like to see the peaceful reunification of the two sides in the not too distant future.
L. Wu, Chinese/UK

The Taiwanese, like any group of people, have the right to self-determination, one of the principles of the United Nations. They are a democratic people unlike their Chinese neighbours, and basically it looks like other countries are too afraid to stand up to China - only El Salvador complained to the UN about China's occupation of Tibet!
James, Israel

They have certainly forged a separate identity Peter McGuinness, Toronto, Canada

If the people of Taiwan wish to declare formal independence from China it is high time that they be allowed to do so, and that their declaration be recognised by the rest of the world. They have certainly forged a separate identity and deserve to have this respected.
Peter McGuinness, Toronto, Canada

If Taiwan wishes to be independent and shows this in a democratic and transparent fashion then of course it should. It is about time somebody took China to task on its human rights record - especially Tibet. What China fears is that its own population might see Taiwan as a model that they themselves can emulate - which would destroy the Communist rule.
Mike, UK

It's too soon for it to go its own way. But eventually, this should be the target for a country that is culturally distinct from the mainland.
Shaddy, Taipei

Taiwan is already an independent country which has its own constitution, military, and laws. People here in Taiwan have the right to do what they want to do and they don't have to worry too much about China's threats.
Alan Lin, Taichung, Taiwan