In case you weren't aware, The US government does not maintain official relations with Taiwan. There is no Ambassador here. If I need help with anything, I go to the American Institute in Taiwan. It's the same way with China and Taiwan. Both countries employ quasi-governmental organizations that handle diplomatic relations and provide assistance for citizens.
Well, two days ago the Vice-Chairman of the Chinese group, known as ARATS, was in Taiwan, giving a speech apparently about media exchanges...whatever that means. Anyway, during the speech he said that "there will never be war in the Strait if there is no Taiwan independence". Strong words for an extremely polarized country, split down the line on the question of Taiwan's independence. So when the guy leaves the building, he gets mobbed by a bunch of people, and knocked to the ground. It's huge news over here. Apparently it's been on CNN and the BBC, but I doubt many people in the West are aware of it.
Yesterday the former President, Chen Shui Bien from the opposition Democratic Progressive Party, gave a speech where he said that the guy deserved it. He is also currently under investigation by the ruling Koumingtang, for money laundering.
A recent poll by Global Views Monthly, shows that barely over half of the population of Taiwan even wants the Chairman of ARATS, who is scheduled to visit next month, to come to the island. Massive protests against the government are common, and the economic downturn has given the current President, Ma Ying Jeou, George Bush like approval ratings, although not quite as bed as the Democrat led congress. If things with the economy gets worse, hitting both China and Taiwan particularly bad, things should get interesting
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