Need help understanding?

Taiwan Living in Taiwan
1

Ok, not sure what is going on, but after a conversation with my wife, her family, and some high standing figures from taiwan I am utterly confused.

Last night while eating dinner with the above people I said something about taiwanese and was quickly corrected! Not sure why since I am not familar with the politics, ethinicity, etc. here…

Basically I was told not to call them Taiwanese??? And when I asked, was told not to call them Chinese??? I was told that when asked they state this about their origin, like I am American, they say we are from Taiwan… They stated they will not say they are Taiwanese nor Chinese , but they are from Taiwan… After continuous questioning due to my confusion I finally gave up…

So I came to you guys/gals for some help on this issue… What the hell??? I know that all the aboved mentioned were born in Taiwan, raised in Taiwan, but most if not all were schooled in America… I also know that I am American, born in America, and very (too some extent maybe too much for most of your likings) proud of that fact, but they confused me… I thought that they considered themselves taiwanese, and thought that saying they were chinese was an insult, but to my bewilderment it seems both is wrong… They state they are not chinese, not taiwanese, not japanese (most are at least 25% japanese), but are from Taiwan…

Sorry if this is confusing as I am confused just as much… but my question is what is going on?? Has anyone else experienced this???

2

You are experiencing one of the core dilemnas which Taiwan faces cw. Some people think they’re Taiwanese. Some say they’re Chinese. Some say they’re both. Some argue if it’s possible to be both and which everybody is. It’s usually a sensitive topic. I have never heard of your family’s approach to it but it doesn’t surprise me.

By the way where did you hear 25% Japanese? I really don’t know but that seems high.

3

Maybe they think they’re American? I’ve met people here who were born in Taiwan, usually of waishengren parents, were raised here, but went to grad school in the States and basically bought American citizenship, but who continue to live in Taiwan, who are very proud of the fact that they are American.

4

a web link for you cw

taiwansecurity.org/News/2002/ST-021702.htm

5

They are the confused ones. They’re Taiwanese. Or if they’re politically that way inclined, they can call themselves Chinese. But they have to be one or the other (or both).

Brian