FYI: Taiwan and China have had a territorial dispute since the Chinese Communist Revolution. The US has an "official" One China policy that conflicts with the diplomatic and business relations with Taiwan (formerly called Formosa).
The US government has been talking out of both sides of its mouth with regards to China:Taiwan Diplomacy for decades. Playing both sides against the middle always results in crisis.
The British returned Hong Kong because their 100 year land lease has expired. Taiwan is a thorn in the Chinese paw. Twisting that thorn angers the tiger -- what could possibly go wrong?
Quote:
Historical significance
In spite of the similarities between their names, modern supporters of Taiwan independence who call for the establishment of a Republic of Taiwan are wary of claiming that their own movement owes anything to the example of the 1895 Republic. The reason for this is that T'ang Ching-sung and his adherents continued to recognise Chinese suzerainty, while modern advocates of a Republic of Taiwan seek political independence from China.
Nitobe Inazō, a former Director of the Bureau of Industries in the Government of Formosa, wrote, "Mr. Tang was elected president and the republic of Formosa lasted three or four months, leaving behind nothing but some post-stamps valuable for collectors."[10]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Formosa
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