So, does China own Taiwan? Well, if you think they do, you're wrong. And if you think they don’t… you're still wrong. It’s one of those questions where no matter what you say, someone somewhere is going to disagree with you. But let me guide you through this political maze with some humor (and a dash of confusion) because Taiwan does not see itself as part of China. And how do I know that? Because I’m Asian. Yeah, you’ll hear that again. 

First, let’s dive into this mess of history. Was there ever a time when China did own Taiwan? Sure, technically, during the Qing Dynasty, Taiwan was part of China. That’s kind of like saying you still own that one sock you lost in 1997—sure, you had it once, but where is it now? Taiwan’s been under all kinds of rulers, from the Dutch to the Japanese, and yet, here we are. So yeah, China had Taiwan for a bit. But was it the loving, mutual relationship that China makes it out to be? Nope. Taiwan’s been more independent than that one friend who moves to the city and swears they’re never coming back to the suburbs. 

And then, there's the proof that China didn't own Taiwan. Let me introduce you to the Republic of China (RoC). Not to be confused with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), because what’s better than one confusing government name? Two, of course. After the Chinese Civil War, the Nationalists fled to Taiwan, set up shop, and Taiwan became its own thing. Meanwhile, China took a hard left into communism and never looked back. Taiwan's been doing its own thing ever since, with its own government, economy, and all that jazz. If you’re wondering why Taiwan has its own passport and why people there can openly make fun of their leaders, unlike in mainland China, it’s because they’re not the same. How do I know? Because I’m Asian. 

So what do I think? Let’s be real: Taiwan doesn’t want to be owned by China. It’s like that ex who just won’t stop texting you, even though you’ve moved on and have a new life. Culturally, yeah, they share some history, but Taiwan’s evolved into its own modern democracy. They’ve got freedom of expression, a booming tech economy, and a government that’s like, “Yeah, we’re not with China.” Economically, Taiwan is a global tech powerhouse, making all the chips that your smartphones need. So, if China really did own Taiwan, we’d probably all be buying knockoff phones that shut down after two weeks. Oh wait, some of us already are… 

There’s also the matter of political ideology. Taiwan, built by the nationalist Kuomintang party, was all about that democracy and capitalism life. China? Well, they went full-on communism. It’s like the pineapple pizza of political ideologies: some people love it, some people hate it, but at the end of the day, they’re just too different to work together. Taiwan has freedom of expression. China has… what freedom of expression? 

Then there’s the economics. Taiwan trades freely with the world, making money like that successful college dropout who started their own company. China, on the other hand, trades with everyone too—but with some serious strings attached. Taiwan's economy is doing great without China’s help. If anything, Taiwan’s been showing the world what it's capable of, while China’s been standing on the sidelines going, “Hey, that’s my territory!” Taiwan’s response? “Nah, we’re good.” 

China claims Taiwan because of historical ties, and Taiwan’s like, “Yeah, but that was in the past, and we’ve moved on.” China’s claim is based on history, but Taiwan’s claim is rooted in current reality. It’s the classic case of “we dated once, and now I’m over it, but you’re not.” How do I know? Because I’m Asian. 

Now, let’s make things even more interesting by drawing a parallel to the Ukraine vs. Russia situation. Big country says, “This land is historically mine,” and the smaller country says, “Yeah, but we’ve been our own thing for a while now, thanks.” The difference here is that China hasn’t exactly invaded Taiwan. Yet. But hey, Putin and Xi Jinping probably swap notes on this over Zoom every now and then. 

Is China more justified in claiming Taiwan than Russia is in claiming Ukraine? I mean, if we go by history, maybe. But also… no. Taiwan has been doing its own thing for decades, and China’s claim feels more like, “We were good once, so why can’t we be good again?” It’s not the most convincing argument. Just because you held hands in middle school doesn’t mean you’re getting back together now. 

So, does China own Taiwan? Culturally? Maybe in the sense that you still claim you love anime because you’re Asian (had to throw that in again). Economically? Not even close. Literally? Well, only if you live in an alternate universe where Chiang Kai-shek still makes foreign policy decisions. Taiwan has its own government, its own economy, and its own place in the world. China, maybe it's time to let go. 

What about Hong Kong? 

Thats a story for another day.