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In history, Taiwan was occupied by Dutch colonialists for 38 years and ruled by Japanese colonialists for as long as half a century. Taiwan compatriots have suffered acutely from suppression and enslavement under foreign colonialist rule. After the Chinese victory in War of Resistance against Japan, Taiwan compatriots were rejoiced to return to the embrace of the motherland. However, shortly after that, on February 28, 1947, the reactionary Kuomintang clique suppressed a patriotic, democratic movement of Taiwan compatriots by force in what is known as the "February 28 Incident," which shocked the world.
The Kuomintang clique headed by Chiang Kai- shek imposed a martial law system in Taiwan for more than four decades after 1949, depriving Tai- wan people of their democratic rights. In a political environment of that kind, it is understandable for Taiwan compatriots to long for the day when they will become masters of their own destiny.
Nearly four decades of separation between the sides of the Taiwan Straits and the anti-Communist propaganda of the Taiwan authorities have brought about, on the part of Taiwan compatriots, a certain degree of alienation from and distrust for the mainland and the government of the motherland. In the international community, Taiwan compatriots have a sense of superiority and pride because of Taiwan's developed economy and their affluent life but, at the same time, they cannot shake off a sense of frustration for lack of status and dignity. It is within reason for them to feel the way they do.
The Chinese Government and people of the motherland understand Taiwan compatriots' aspiration to administer Taiwan as masters of their own destiny. Meanwhile, they believe that such an aspiration can be accomplished only after the peaceful reunification of the two sides of the Taiwan Straits. Only then can Taiwan compatriots share the dignity and glory of their great motherland in the international community.
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