ABSTRACT
Chapter 1. In the first chapter, the author assesses the “permanent factors” that may be used to argue that Taiwan is or should be considered a nation or a province of China. These are the physical setting (geography, etc.); climate, soil and natural resources; population; ethnic groups; and culture. He adds transportation and communications; the media; and tourism—factors that convey information about the permanent factors that may convince readers of whether Taiwan is a nation or not. The discussion of ethnic groups examines the status of the Aborigines, two groups of early-arrival Chinese (Fukien Taiwanese or Hoklo and Hakka) and later-arrival Chinese or Mainland Chinese. Under culture, the author analyzes Aboriginal culture, early Chinese culture and later (after World War) Chinese culture brought by Chiang Kai-shek’s government.
