Taiwan post..of 'sino-cism' and 'de-sinicisation'
Taiwan government is pursuing a drive to remove references to 'China' or 'Chinese' from the names of state owned companies, in an attempt to assert a stronger Taiwanese identity. There have been a spate of name changes recently and some more may be in the offing. Chinese Petroleum Corp has become CPC Corp, Taiwan, while China Shipbuilding Corp has become CSBC Corp, Taiwan and Chunghwa Post Co will be known as Taiwan Post Co. Earlier Chiang Kai Shek International Airport was renamed as Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, as the current independence leaning ruling dispensation seeks to downplay the historic links with the mainland. This was also reflected in recent changes in history textbooks.
The Democratic Progressive Party of president Chen Shui-bian considers establishment of an independent Republic of Taiwan under a new constitution as its objective and its move to mobilise support for the same is leading to sharp political divides. Although Taiwan is a de facto sovereign state, it exists only under the official name of the Republic of China and has little diplomatic recognition. China considers Taiwan as a part of its territory and has even threatened use of force to prevent any attempt to declare independence. US, Taiwan's strongest ally, and most of the international community favour the status quo to be maintained.
Taiwan government is pursuing a drive to remove references to 'China' or 'Chinese' from the names of state owned companies, in an attempt to assert a stronger Taiwanese identity. There have been a spate of name changes recently and some more may be in the offing. Chinese Petroleum Corp has become CPC Corp, Taiwan, while China Shipbuilding Corp has become CSBC Corp, Taiwan and Chunghwa Post Co will be known as Taiwan Post Co. Earlier Chiang Kai Shek International Airport was renamed as Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, as the current independence leaning ruling dispensation seeks to downplay the historic links with the mainland. This was also reflected in recent changes in history textbooks.
The Democratic Progressive Party of president Chen Shui-bian considers establishment of an independent Republic of Taiwan under a new constitution as its objective and its move to mobilise support for the same is leading to sharp political divides. Although Taiwan is a de facto sovereign state, it exists only under the official name of the Republic of China and has little diplomatic recognition. China considers Taiwan as a part of its territory and has even threatened use of force to prevent any attempt to declare independence. US, Taiwan's strongest ally, and most of the international community favour the status quo to be maintained.
