Taiwan Today

Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the Founding Father of the Republic of China, began his revolutionary career with organization of an anti-Manchu group, in Honolulu in 1894

 

Overthrow of the Ch'ing took 17 years. A last abortive uprising took place in Canton March 29, 1911.

 

The Revolution reached a climax at Wuchang October 10, 1911. Soon the whole of China was in revolt against the Manchus. The Republic of China came into existence January 1, 1912, as the first non-monarchical state in Asian history. Dynastic rule had lasted for 5,000 years.

 

On January 12, 1912, Provisional President Sun Yat-sen visited the Yellow Emperor's tomb at Nanking together with Provisional Vice President Li Yuan-hung. Dr. Sun resigned in favor of Yuan Shih-kai April 1 in an effort to unify China. Yuan was emperor for 83 days.

 

Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek had met even before the Revolution. They were drawn closer together when Dr. Sun, fleeing from rebels, took sanctuary on a gunboat at Canton. Accompanying him was the young Chiang, an officer and disciple. The time was November of 1920.

 

In December 1936 Chiang Kai-shek was held prisoner at Sian by the Young Marshal, Chang Hsueh-liang, who was duped by the Communists. Chang saw the error of his ways and accompanied his commander to Nanking. The nation rejoiced at the safety of Dr. Sun's successor.

 

China fought alone against the Japanese war machine from 1937 to the end of 1941. Communists avoided combat with the invaders in preparation for the postwar struggle with the National Government. At war's end, the Russians turned over Japanese weapons to the Communists.

 

The Chinese people were war weary and hoping for peace, prosperity and reconstruction when the Japanese surrendered in 1945. President Chiang Kai-shek led China into the United Nations and undertook political reforms. Communist rebellion then stole the fruits of victory.

 

The Republic of China's Constitution, one of the most democratic in the world, came into force December 25, 1947. The First National Assembly was elected in 1948 and set out to perfect China's free and responsible government. That task is being completed in Taiwan.

 

Taiwan's economic prosperity has been built on the base of a land reform which placed almost 90 per cent of farms in the hands of the tillers. As of the close of 1973, per capita income was approaching US$500. Foreign trade was expected to top US$8 billion for the year.

 

The offshore islands of Kinmen (Quemoy) and Matsu stand guard over the Taiwan Straits and serve as early warning posts for Taiwan itself. Communist attackers were repelled in 1949 and again in the saturation shellings of 1958. Defenses of the isles are of Gibraltar strength.

 

Support of the Republic of China's cause is to be found in Chinese communities everywhere. In Hongkong, Kung Sung, the leader of the Free Union of Pottery and Porcelain Workers, was killed by Communists while protecting the red, white and blue National Flag of the ROC.