A Pole from Taiwan tells how they coped with Coronavirus;Only 7 people died of Covid-19

Marcin Mroczko, Onet: When Europe is fighting another wave of coronaviru pandemic, several cases of infections are recorded in Taiwan.In the country of 23.5 million people, can you announce a victory?

In fact, compared to other countries in the world, the situation in Taiwan looks great.Since the beginning of the pandemic on the island, just over 600 cases of infections have been recorded, except that from April all new cases are infections brought from abroad, detected during the obligatory quarantine after arrival, and not local infections, which have not been recorded in Taiwan for over 200 days.

Until now, Coronavirus was the cause of the death of seven people - although it does not diminish the pain of their families and loved ones, it must be remembered that in other countries there are currently several dozen or even several hundred fatalities a day.So Taiwanese have many reasons to be proud and are proud - information about praise and words of recognition in the world at the Taiwan fight against Pandemia are willingly reported, listened and cause undisguised joy.

Foto: worldometers.infoTajwan, dzienne przypadki zachorowań na COVID-19

Unlike China, where the authorities announced the victory over Coronavirus, such declarations never appeared in Taiwan.The recommendations are constantly emphasized to remain alert, and the pressure in the information has been placed for months to help other countries struggling with Pandemia.The country has launched the #taiwancanhelp campaign or "Taiwan can help", in which it shares valuable knowledge, experience and very measurable material assistance with the world - so far, among othersHe donated tens of millions of medical masks and other personal protective equipment.

The inhabitants of Taiwan, although they live on the island, feel part of the global community, which is why the real victory will be the moment when the pandemic disappears completely from the world.Taiwanese, but also residents of other countries in Asia, do not want to learn to live with coronavirus, but they want a world without coronavirus.

The rest of the text under the video material:

Niedzielski: trzecia fala epidemii jest realnym zagrożeniem

The inhabitants of Europe and the US are wondering how it is possible that Taiwan, Vietnam or Singapore have been able to deal with Pandemia so effectively.What do you think this is due to?

This is a difficult question, because, apart from a common denominator, i.e. a success in the fight against Pandemia, the combat tools in each of these countries were different and although you want very much, it is difficult to mention one main reason why Europe and the USA barely cope with coronavirus, and Asian countries are successful in this field.

When I look at Taiwan's experiences, the fact that this country is well prepared for an epidemiological threat comes to the fore, and after the experience of the SARS epidemic of 2003, such threats were not something abstract for society, which caused that residents withThey approached protection.And one more detail - the previous Vice President of Taiwan Chen Chien -Jen, who is in the position until May this year, is a recognized epidemiologist!

Taiwanese themselves asked why they did well, they answer that in 2003 they learned not to believe China, listen to scientists and doctors and be prepared to rely on their own strength.In fact, from the beginning of the pandemic you can notice the scheme and consequence of activities, which indicates the existence of detailed plans prepared in advance.

Interestingly, various countries used various combat tools - while in South Korea huge amounts of tests were performed, Taiwan only tested selected people, believing that mass testing is a bad use of valuable resources.In return, it was focused on meticulous tracking of infections, contacts of infected people, etc.

In an interview with Onet, Mateusz Kotowski, who has lived in Hanoi for 11 years, mentioned the discipline and obedience of residents.What power says is correct and one should fully comply with it ...

The assurances of the discipline and obedience of the inhabitants of Asia, i.e. the heritage of famous Confucianism, are often mentioned in the West as a reason for success in the fight against Pandemia.Taiwanese, with whom I talked when they hear these types of arguments, either sell them laughter, or even slightly irritate, believing that looking for an explanation in Confucianism diverts attention from the fact that they were really solidly prepared for pandemic, listened to scientists, and the vice president of the country himselfHe is an expert of epidemiology.

It is also difficult to accuse the inhabitants of the island to comply with power.Taiwan is a democratic country where people have no resistance to criticize the government or president and they know well that it is the authority that should serve society.I remember the Sunflower Revolution from 2014 myself well, and pictures from hot disputes of the opposition with the party of power in the local parliament, which turned into hand -and -how many times, broke several times to the Polish media.

I remember the last time I was in Poland and encountered a traffic jam on an express road in which drivers began to form a corridor of life.My first reaction was, in Taiwan it would not work, half of the drivers, if not more, would use the corridor to try to bypass the traffic jam!

Taiwanese, however, can act well together, if in a common opinion it is needed or beneficial - this is not due to discipline and subordination of power, but more from a sense of equity or concern for other people.The inhabitants of the island generally have huge deposits of empathy and kindness to others, which can be confirmed by every traveler visiting the country.

Foto: MakotoKuo / ShutterstockTajpej, Tajwan

During the pandemic, everyone began to wear masks in public places before this obligation was introduced by the authorities.I remember that in my residential building in the elevator there was a request to wear masks in January, immediately after the first reports of the disease.

At the end of December, when warnings for Wuhan residents about a new lung disease appeared on the network, 24 hours have not passed, when at Taiwan airports in Taiwan the temperature of passengers arrived from the province of Hubei began, and soon after the flights from this part of China were banned.Impressive reactivity!

Yes it's true!I have to admit that although I knew that I live in a country where the universal health service was one of the best in the world, I was surprised by the scale of the effectiveness of activities!

Of course, this is also a consequence of a lack of trust in China and the isolation of Taiwan by China authorities in the World Health Organization (WHO) ...

It is worth specifying that since 2003, or SARS epidemic, the temperature has been measured in Taiwan, just like at many airports in Asia, every arriving passenger, although most of us probably do not notice it, because the measurement is made non -invasively, using the camerathermovision.

Before landing in Taiwan in aircraft, among the played messages, such as warnings that drug smuggling is threatened with the death penalty, there is also information about the obligation to report symptoms of diseases.Thus, in the case of flights from the province of Hubei, not so much temperature measurements were introduced, but the tests were sealed.

Foto: yarak / ShutterstockTajpej, Tajwan lotnisko Taoyuan

Even before the appearance of Covid-19 Border Guard and sanitary services at the airports were put in a state of the highest threat in connection with defense against African pigs (ASF).On Taiwan, under the threat of very harsh penalties, meat and many other food products could not be imported, which was very strictly observed, including controlling each luggage.It is possible that the experience gained in this way somehow contributed to the refinement of control procedures.

Pandemia in Taiwan reached its peak in March, which results from Taiwan's "close relationships" with continental China.What steps were introduced on the island when the first Covid-19 cases detected?

What was most noticeable was the policy related to the production and distribution of masks.The first case of infection on the island was recorded on January 21.Three days later, the government decided on a radical step, de facto nationalization of trading and masks production.

The export of masks was also forbidden, including sending them by post abroad.From April, the government introduced a facilitation and allowed to buy nine masks once every 14 days.At that time, producers, often previously not related to the production of medical materials, had to create a system of self -sufficient production of medical masks and alcohol to disinfect hands.

Soldiers were directed for the production of masks, dozens of new production lines were opened.Only in March the daily production limit increased from just over 9 million pieces at the beginning of the month to 13 million at the end of the month.

Foto: Jack Hong / ShutterstockTajpej, Tajwan

The government introduced the obligation to wear masks in offices or in public transport, imposing strict penalties for non -compliance with this requirement.Before entering each office, and during the pandemic period to each store, a bank of a sports facility, etc., the temperature of visitors is measured and you often need to enter your name and phone number in the guest book.

Interestingly, the borders were open quite long, no immediate blockage was introduced.

For a long time, apart from suspending flights to China, the borders were open.With the spread of the epidemic and then the pandemic to an increasing number of countries, the government introduced restrictions on traveling and depending on the history of travel, the duty of either self -observation after foreign travels or quarantine.

For example, how to get from the airport to the quarantine?How to provide meals to quarantine people?How to make people observe insulation?In these aspects, the level of refinement is impressive.It was taken care of securing designated taxis, which took travelers from the airport to the quarantine place, even when it was several hundred kilometers away.The guidelines strictly regulated that the passenger and driver must wear masks, the windows are to be open, and the price of transport is flat -rate.

What does "technically" look like a quarantine?

At the quarantine place, people who have it are "guarded" using a mobile phone - there is a special monitoring system whether a person leaves the room, but also whether nobody from the outside enters the place of insulation.This monitoring takes place not through the application, but through the mechanisms of the network of telephone operators, which especially from our Western point of view, in which we value privacy, is shocking, but during the pandemic it showed its effectiveness.

There was also some information about people who broke quarantine and a very high penalty was imposed on them, reaching for Polish money tens of thousands of zlotys.One of them was a foreign tourist who slipped from the hotel room to the corridor to light a cigarette.

The maximum amount of penalty that the authorities may impose is the equivalent of over 33 thousand.dollars!This information, of course, is to discipline citizens through fear, so that quarantine rules are observed.

In addition to the proverbial stick, there is also a carrot.Each person going to quarantine receives a "welcome set", which includes a thermometer, masks, but also, for example, instant pasta or sweets.

During quarantine, local governments often prepare and provide packages with gifts such as fresh fruit, but also with e.g. coupons for online games or streaming services that allow watching movies and series, so that people in isolation can effectively cope with boredom.It is also extremely important that many people on quarantine could count on co -financing of about PLN 130 a day.

The great success of the government related to quarantine was the conviction of the citizens that people undergoing isolation are not a threat, but rather someone who decides to undergo inconvenience to the good of the whole society, which is why giving in quarantine is a recognition process.

How did the inhabitants react to the introduction of restrictions?

To a large extent with understanding, because after SARS's experience of 2003, for most society the emergency state of ego was not just a pure abstraction.I have not encountered someone denying the threat of coronavirus or considering Pandemia to be fiction or undermined the sense of binding of restrictions.

It must also be said that the authorities used the initial credit of understanding and did a lot to keep it and deserve the trust of citizens.

From the beginning of Pandemia, the role of contact with the inhabitants of the island was taken over by a special crisis command team at the Epidemiological Control Center (CDC), headed by a very popular and liked Dr. Shih-Chung Chen, the Minister of Health of Taiwan.

Chen, who is known to the whole world as a sub -sir appearing in a vest with a blue wall with inscriptions in the background, became the face of the fight with Pandemia in Taiwan, and for many Taiwaneans during the pandemic thanks to his conscientious work, commitment and personal kindness became almost part of the family, enough to say that in March his work positively rated over 90 percent.citizens.

CDC press conferences are organized every day, provide the latest information about the pandemic in an accessible and transparent way, in the spirit of the greatest transparency, which citizens like.The great meaning is that CDC is not afraid to talk about its failures.One such situation was the detection of coronavirus infection at one of the immigrants from Southeast Asia dealing with home assistance.

The government admitted that it made a tragic mistake, not noticing a group of people from abroad without access to universal health insurance, and often even to the threat.After this, a number of actions were taken, such as the involvement of people speaking in local immigrants to include these communities in information and protection programs.

However, it was not so reliable, there were critical voices towards the government's actions.

Yes, all this does not mean that there are no voices of social dissatisfaction.At the beginning, a lot of controversy was caused by the system of rationing of masks, many people complained about their low availability and that you cannot send a mask abroad.Over time, the system of their distribution was improved and the number of pieces to buy one -time was increased, but the government had to explain why it is transferred to other countries, while strict regulation still applies to Taiwan.

Foto: Oliverouge 3 / ShutterstockTajpej, Tajwan

An interesting story is also associated with the availability of masks, which shows how seriously the Taiwan authorities approach dialogue with society.When buying masks in the regulation system, we have no influence on their color and in April, during one of the CDC conferences, the journalist cited the history of the student's mother, the complainant that her son and other boys from his school do not want to wear pink masks, fearing making fun of wearingmasks in a "feminine" color, thus causing the risk that in the absence of covering the face they will get infected with coronavirus.

The next day, Minister Chen and four other people from the crisis command team appeared at a press conference, wearing pink masks, ensuring all boys in Taiwan that men can wear a pink color as much as possible, adding that his favorite childhood cartoon figure was pinkPanther.

Therefore, all voices of dissatisfaction concerned no sense in fighting pandemic, but specific inconveniences.The government honestly tried to approach these voices and where it is possible to develop an effective solution.The authorities also never presented success in the fight against Pandemia, such as the successes of the government, but as the success of Taiwan and Taiwanese, which allowed every person to feel that they had added a brick to general success and easier to endure sacrifice in the name of a common case.

Despite the decrease in infections, there is no question of loosening bans?

The ban, which probably changes life on the island most, is the ban on the entry of tourists.In this respect, it is difficult to say when the restrictions will disappear.There is information that talks with several countries are underway, including Australia, New Zealand or Palau about the creation of the so -calledBubbles, i.e. travel zones without having to go through a long quarantine.Taiwan is also trying to facilitate the business traffic of visitors from several countries that cope well with Pandemia and introduces the opportunity to come and take short quarantine.

Foto: ShutterstockTajpej, Tajwan

In other aspects there is some demand for requirements.For some time, people coming to Taiwan had to take quarantine in specially designated centers, such as designated hotels.Now, after meeting the appropriate requirements, it is possible to take a quarantine at home.Currently, you can also buy masks on the free market and also send them abroad.

In addition, it is difficult to talk about many bans.From the beginning of the Pandemia in Taiwan there was no lockdown, simply the coronavirus was maintained under control before he managed to spread.Shops, fitness centers, swimming pools, etc. were open.

In a sense, one can even talk about the fact that the island's cultural life is used on the pandemic, e.g. you can go to concerts of outstanding artists who come to Taiwan because this is the only place where they can perform.Recently, I was at the concert of an outstanding cellist yo-yo ma, who in normal times plays only in the best concert halls in the world.

Did the SARS epidemic from 2003 affect the actions taken?

Without exaggeration, it can be said that it had a fundamental impact.As I have already mentioned, the experiences of the SARS epidemic from 2003 are still fresh, which is why everyone approached the current epidemic very seriously.

The SARS epidemic is a traumatic story for Taiwanese.Despite the efforts, it was not possible to protect SARS from entering the island.In total, 346 infections were confirmed, of which 73 people died.The SARS epidemic brought to Taiwan several painful lessons, including the statement that in the case of future epidemic, the country must count mainly on itself and that as long as in China there are authoritarian governments of the Chinese communist party, the truth will lose with attempts to hide uncomfortable information in the name of defenseInterests of power, so China is not allowed to trust.

Taiwan created his own system of an independent system of early warning about possible epidemics and then responding to threats.He regularly conducted his tests, training in the event of various scenarios, some very theoretical, assuming, for example, transferring epidemic from continental China to the island by air, through migrating birds.

It can probably be said that in the case of the current pandemic the system worked.Unfortunately, critical assessments of the credibility of China authorities were also confirmed - who knows what the world would look like today, if at the turn of the year China authorities listened to the warnings of the heroic doctor Li Wenliang and took appropriate action to stop the development of the disease, instead of trying to silence him ...

One of the main characters in this fight is Audrey Tang, the Taiwan Minister of Digitization, who harnessed Big Data and mobile applications for fighting.

Audrey Tang is a unique character and not only in the current government of Taiwan, but in the world of programmers and visionaries of the new digital society.The personal mission of Minister Tang in the office of the President of Tsai is the realization of a vision of digital democracy, i.e. the use of new achievements of digital technology, for example, ease of communication, to be a bridge between generations and to enrich, as well as to make the institution of democracy more attractive, which, according to many people, has recently grown patina.With all this, Tang is a person of act and without hesitation undertook to participate in the fight against Pandemia.

Big Data technology plays a huge role in Taiwan, among othersin tracking the paths of infections, the history of contacts of infected people.This is a crucial for the Taiwanese system, because the island does not use mass tests for coronavirus, believing that such a method would be a bad use of resources, instead meticulously, as to a minute, the history of the infected person's actions is determined and identifies all contacts.

As a programmer, Tang was part of the Open Source movement and also in this pandemic its actions were subject to this philosophy.In the first months of the year, when there were problems with the availability of masks, one of the citizens prepared an application locating on the map in real time those pharmacies that have a supply of masks.Tang adapted this application, made corrections and improvements in it, and then included in the official channels of informing citizens by the authorities.

Tang, as a person spending a lot of time in the digital world, perfectly to use the term young people, "knows on the Internet" and there are no foreign mechanisms of the virtual flow of information, which is why she decided to use this method to transfer messages to citizens.The government of the Republic of China invited comedians to cooperate and the effect of this action was to create memes with a very "memic" dog and a popular shiba inu breed named Zongchai, who on the Facebook profile or Twitter of the Ministry of Health acts as a press spokesman, and more specifically "Spokesdog",informing how to follow the recommendations.

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Many of the messages are humor and references to pop culture.A few days ago, I paid attention to the rework of the poster celebrating the records of the popularity of the series "Gambit the Queen" in Taiwan.

On Valentine's Day, i.e. at the beginning of the pandemic, he lived a meme in the virgin life, in which Zongchai recommended to wash his hands, keep sobriety and have safe sex."What if I'm a single?"You could read on the meme - "Then stay at home!"The spokesperson was answered.

How did Coronavir influence Taiwan's economy?

Pandemic slowed down economic development on the island, the government estimates that it will lead to 1.9 percent.GDP decline, but despite everything Taiwan will most likely be one of the few economies of the world that will end this year with an economic increase around 1 percent.GDP.According to the September data, Oxford University, so far Taiwan is a country of the least -affected economically effects of coronaviru pandemic, with a decrease in GDP of 0.9 percent.

Foto: Jack Hong / ShutterstockTajpej, Tajwan

Of course, just like everywhere else in the world, the tourist, hotel or aviation industry loses his pandemic, although there is no shortage of activities aimed at minimizing these losses.When Taiwan was experiencing the peak of Pandemia and the hotels were empty, many of them decided on alternative actions.It was very popular to sell Bento box dinners prepared by hotel restaurants, which for many buyers meant a chance to buy for a small money normally expensive and sophisticated delicacies.

In the summer, domestic tourism experienced great popularity, especially trips to smaller islands belonging to Taiwan, such as the Peskador Archipelago.In turn, the aviation industry used the high demand for cargo transport.The two largest airlines of Taiwan, China Airlines and Eva Airways have generated operational profit on the basis of air freight transport in the second quarter of the year.

Foto: ChenBaoze / ShutterstockWyspa Penghu, Peskadory, Tajwan

The government successfully managed to rebuild consumer demand on the internal market by encouraging citizens to buy vouchers.Each citizen could for 1 thousandTaiwan dollars to buy a set of vouchers worth 3,000Taiwan dollars, which could then be used in shops or restaurants.The campaign was very popular and restored interest in shopping.

An example of Taiwan and other countries that have successfully coped with Pandemia shows that the argument about the need to choose the health of citizens or economic development is false.This effective control of coronavirus spreading is the best way to ensure the good functioning of the economy.

Did the Covid-19 epidemic affect the narrative in relation to the PRC in local media?

China has not had a good press on the island for a long time, we are finally talking about a country that is putting the threat of an armed takeover of Taiwan again and again.Last year is also a prostate protests observed with care in Hong Kong, in which most of the inhabitants of Democratic Taiwan supported the protesters.

A lot of space was devoted to the harassment of Dr. Li Wenliang, who was the first to inform about the new disease and the reaction of China's authorities late for a few weeks, which was possible to spill the epidemic into the whole world.

The media questioned Chinese data, informing the international community about Kornavirus.A lot of space was devoted to China activities aimed at displacing responsibility for Pandemia - in Taiwan media the name "virus with wuhan" instead of Covid -19 is commonly used.The media on the island was also outraged by the fact that China earned the sale of defective personal protection measures, demanding public thanks from other countries, while Taiwan at the same time passed medical masks made in the highest standard only for free.

Lack of trust in China was deepened by the widely described history of the Taiwanese evacuation flight from Wuhan.After long negotiations carried out by unofficial channels, Taiwan and China set a list of passengers.Shortly after the arrival of the first plane from Wuhan at the airport in Taipei, it turned out that the Chinese side broke the previous arrangements - on board were, among othersChinese spouses of Taiwan citizens, there were also people on the list to be transported first.

In this context, the Polish thread also appeared ...

Yes, a lot of time was devoted to the first LOT LOT aircraft visit in the history of the Taiwan aircraft, which from Taipei took, among othersmedical overalls.The media reported that due to the lack of China's consent to the flight over its territory, due to the hostile policy towards Taiwan, a Polish plane carrying out a humanitarian mission had to fly a circular road overlapping, according to the calculations of Taiwan media, over 2 hours of flight.

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All these strong accusations against China authorities are pale in the face of the fact that the authorities in Beijing in the name of conducting ruthless policy block access to the World Health Organization, exposing the health and life of 23 million citizens, while blocking Taiwan to convey their valuable experience to the world.The media did not lack the hardest arguments comparing this action to crimes against humanity.

Scientists from Taiwan already warned against coronavirus in January, but - as they say - they were ignored by the World Health Organization as a result of the pressure of the PRC.Taiwanese informed world public opinion very loudly.In order to intimidate this country around the island, combat aircraft and PRC ships began in February numerous "exercises", putting armed forces subordinate to Taipei in a state of readiness ...

The fact of ignoring or even excluding Taiwan from the World Health Organization is the tip of the iceberg of exclusion of Taiwan from international organizations, which China is behind.Activities aimed at isolating the island on the international arena were intensified after 2016, i.e. the winner of the current president Taiwan Tsai Ing-Wen, which the authorities in Beijing accuse of actions aimed at Taiwan's independence, i.e. something that Chinese People's Republic for, which maintains that Taiwan is part of it despite the fact that she did not rule over Taiwan for a moment, he does not want to agree.

In all these cases, Taiwan does not even ask you to be formally admitted to the members of the members, but that his representatives would be invited to the observer, which would guarantee access to valuable data and information and declares their willingness to share their data, becompliance with the arrangements.

For some time there was a faction more favorable to Beijing ...

Indeed, there was a time that allowed China to believe that it was possible to increase his influence on the island and eventually unite it with continental China, in fact it took place, which proves that the obstacle in the implementation of the authority of the authorities in Taipei is only the willwho chose a hostile course in relation to the current island authorities and, as it seems, they have probably lost hope for the possibility of conducting peaceful union, putting in exchange for intimidation of Taiwaneans to submission.

Ignoring Taiwan in WHO, behind which the PRC has a different, important reason.In the official message, China declared their victory over the Pandemia under the leadership of the party, which they willingly opposed the inability to control coronavirus by the democratic Western countries.

Thus, in the official message of the authorities in Beijing, a sign of equality between authoritarianism and effectiveness is placed.Taiwan's success is not very on the hand of Chinese propaganda, because it shows that a democratic state can perfectly cope with the epidemiological threat and effectiveness does not have to be at all at the expense of citizens' rights.

Too little mainstream media is said about the situation of Taiwan and his relationship with the PRC.The official name of Taiwan is the Republic of China.Can you tell our readers what the political situation looks like in a few sentences?

In my opinion, we currently live in a very interesting time for Taiwan marked with the changing concepts of the island's identity.When we look from the outside, the matter seems quite simple - in 1949, Chinese nationalists led by Chang Kaj -Szek, after losing the fight against communists on the continent, they escaped to Taiwan, who became the abutment of the state they ruled the state, the Republic of China, while the communistsOn the continent they proclaimed the People's Republic of China.

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The nationalists, or the Kuomomintang party, ruled Taiwan until 2000 and in the years 2008-2016 and never renounced power over the whole China, which they think one day was to return to the legitimate rule of the Republic of China.In turn, Chinese communists, despite the fact that they did not have power over Taiwan for a moment, they consider the island to be part of their territory, which one day must be united with the matrix.

For Taiwan society, the matter of your own identity does not look so simple.Many of the inhabitants of the island consider Czang Kaj-Szek and the Kuomomintang party to be the occupiers, and their conflict with China for something unrelated to Taiwan, in which the island was involved in their will.This view has a strong basis, because Komintang brought 2 million soldiers to the island and ruled a strong hand, often resorting to terror.Until 1991, there was a state of emergency in Taiwan, and the first universal elections took place in 1992, while the first democratic presidential election in 1996.

Currently, more and more inhabitants of the island are declaring a different identity from Chinese, describing themselves as Taiwanese or Taiwanese and Chinese.Especially young people, raised in a democratic system, in a progressive state that, as a society, has gone a long way, being, for example, the first country in Asia allowing single -sex marriages, a country that guarantees personal freedom, freedom of speech, etc., they do not see themselves as part of authoritarian China.It can be said that with the passage of time in the hearts and awareness of the inhabitants of Taiwan and China moves away from each other.

Taiwan's society is even more determined than before to preserve their independence.This was clearly emphasized this year.In January 2020, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the election in Taiwan for the second time in a row, and President Caj Ing-Wen officially rejected the proposals for "unification" under the scepter of the Communist Party of China, proposing "dialogue" in exchange.What does this "dialogue" mean?

In the past, governments on both sides of the Taiwan Strait took talks.One of the most famous events of this type was a meeting in 1992. Between the semi -specific representatives of the PRC and Taiwan, which did not end in specific decisions, except for consent to a rather abstract statement that "both sides recognize that there are only one China": both continental Chinaand Taiwan belong to the same China, but both sides agree to interpret these China according to their own definition. "

In 2000, the politicians of Kuomintang began to claim that this statement is a binding "consensus of 1992"also called the "consensus of one China", while politicians of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) believe that because there was no agreement on the definition and mutual understanding of China and the one which government, the Chinese Republic or the PRC represents "China", it was not "consensus ”at all, hence it is difficult to talk about compliance with any arrangements.

From the PRC's point of view, the consensus of 1992 means that there are only one China and the PRC is their representative, and the consensus is an introduction to the unification of Taiwan with China.The authorities in Beijing also insist that every new president of the Republic of China, wanting to conduct a dialogue with China, confirmed the binding of consensus.President of Tsai, after he won the election, unlike his Protesian predecessor, refused to fulfill this request, recognizing the consensus as fiction, which additionally harms the interests of Taiwan, which caused the authorities in Beijing cut off all communication channels from Taipei.

The situation in which both sides are not able to contact each other is very dangerous, because it immeasurably increases the risk of misunderstanding of intentions, and thus an accidental conflict.It also seems that the PRC authorities, headed by the leader of the 11th Jinping regarding the presidency of Tsai, came to the blind alley - a new president, accused by Beijing for aiming for the announcement of independence by Taiwan, is in his party a very moderate politician, trying not to irritateRelations with China, yet from the beginning of her term of office she could not count on the dialogue of the other party.

Foto: Wirestock Images / ShutterstockTajpej, Tajwan Życie codzienne w czasie koronawirusa

The dialogue proposal on her part was an attempt to initiate communication with China in a way that would slightly expose China and their leader to face loss.On the other hand, the opening of the dialogue would strengthen the moderate camp in the DPP party, reducing the risk of issuing a radical, pro -formal candidate in the next presidential election, in which TSAI can no longer start due to the constitutional limitation of the number of the president's term.Everything indicates, however, that Beijing, who is currently playing in the rhythm of growing nationalism, is not interested in taking this olive branch.

What is the street now, what is the attitude of the island's inhabitants to continental China.Pragmatism prevails, are the moods more combat?

The attitude of Taiwanese to China is very complicated.Many of the inhabitants of the island consider themselves both Taiwanese and Chinese, which foreigners can introduce them to consternation, because once we hear "with us in Taiwan" to hear "we Chinese" a moment later, especially when it comes to Christmas, customs or culture.

Currently, China lives, works and conducts interests of over 2 million Taiwanese and if they ask Taiwan friends, many of them do not believe in China's invasion, and they consider all the enemy declarations of China to be a political game.Compulsory service in the army is treated by young men as a necessity and relatively small percentage of them decides to bond professional with the army and work in uniform after completing it.

If you look at social opinion research, this relationship is slowly beginning to change - more and more people declare that in the event of an invasion it is ready to defend their country.Most of the inhabitants also believe that in the event of Aggression from China, Taiwan will hurry the great informal ally of the Republic of China, i.e. the United States.

Last year's protests in Hong Kong were a very important event in changing the moods of Taiwanese in China, and then their pacification and imposing the draconian law about the security of the state by the authorities in Beijing.The inhabitants of Taiwan, to whom the communist authorities of China promised the same as in Hong Kong the model "One country, two systems" could once again convince themselves that the PRC does not intend to comply with liabilities or tolerate freedom, hence you cannot believe in its assurance.

At the moment, it can be said that for the dominant number of inhabitants, pragmatism in the preservation of their current life, from which they are proud, consists in opposition to unification with China.

Why is China Taiwan?

This is a very good question, because in history Taiwan was never in the center of China's interest, but rather somewhere off the beaten track.In its history, in addition to the periods when the island was in the possession of China, Taiwan was also under the administration of the Netherlands, Spain and Japan.Especially the reign of Japan, which lasted from 1895 to 1945, almost at all not refined by the current China authorities, is considered by many Taiwanese for the period when modern Taiwan crystallized - it was under the reign of this country that the island's infrastructure was created, for which Taiwanese, as oneOf the few nations in Asia, they refer to Japanese with sympathy.

From the point of view of the authorities in Beijing, the inclusion of Taiwan would be the end of the war with the Republic of China and thus the complement to the historical justice they perceived.The personal ambition of China, XI Jinping, cannot be ignored.XI forces the vision of the "Golden Century" or the Renaissance of the Chinese people under the rule of the communist party China, which would restore Chinese places due to them in the world, previously plundered by the Western powers.An important element of this vision is the unification of all "Chimius", including Taiwan.By making this union, XI would guarantee a place in history among the most outstanding China leaders.

Foto: Jack Hong / ShutterstockTajpej, Tajwan

From a more mundane perspective, Taiwan is the 20th largest economy in the world and the fifth in the Asian-Pacific REGON, so if it could be included in the current form in China, then the Middle Kingdom would become the most economically the country, ahead of the United States.In addition to the position in the economic rankings, there is something more - Taiwan is the main producer of chips and semiconductors, as well as a significant electronics producer, and this element of technical competition becomes the main front of the current competition between China and the United States.

The geopolitical location of the island cannot be overestimated.The Taiwanese Strait is an important or can be said even by the key sea trade trail of Asia and the world.From a military point of view, Taiwan is part of the so -calledthe first chain of the islands that separates China from the Pacific.

It is not surprising, then, that the United States really wants to avoid a script in which Taiwan would go under Chinese rule.

The Americans announced military maneuvers on the island, Beijing will not be happy ...

Beijing is strongly dissatisfied with the presence of the United States in the region, which very often gives expression.Chinese representatives do not allow any official contacts of the authorities of other countries with the authorities of Taiwan without their consent, stood hard in the position that the island is their territory, which does not discourage the current United States administration, during the rule of which the American-Chinese relations strongly tightened.

There is also no indication that the current American approach to the defense of Taiwan will change, because the hard course towards China is supported by both political parties in the United States.This year, Taiwan visited the Secretary of Health and Secretary of Economic Development of the United States - these were visits of the highest -ranking officials of this country for 40 years.Moreover, secretary Kach took part in the funeral of the deceased former president Lee Teng-Hui, the godfather of democracy on the island, who in Beijing is considered a traitor and a leading separatist.

China in response exert military pressure on Taiwan.For several months of violation of the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), Chinese aircraft are practically on the agenda.A special severity of China's aviation operations took place during the visits of American delegations.Hu Xijin, editor -in -chief of the nationalist China tabloid "Global Times" is threatened that if the Secretary of State of the US appears in Taiwan, Chinese fighters will be above Taipei.

The dispute over the South China Sea as well as the domination of the Taiwanese Strait can be one of the places where another global conflict may begin.

For 70 years, i.e. since the evacuation of Chinese nationalists, Taiwan was mentioned as a potential inflammatory point of the conflict.So far, all conflicts, including armed clashes between the feuding parties, have been able to quench.The United States made it clear that Taiwan could count on their support, and China's armed forces, although numerous, were considered poorly prepared for war and having outdated weapons.

The last decade is a period of huge expenditure on the army, quick modernization and modernization of the China armed forces, whose pace surprised many Western experts.What's more, this is a modernization largely sewn to the implementation of Chinese strategic goals - taking over Taiwan and obtaining dominance in the South China Sea, to which the state of the Middle Ages claims, to the dissatisfaction of other countries in the region.

As a result, the military advantage of the United States over China has shrunk strongly, especially since the potential conflict would take place in the Chinese yard and the United States would be forced to transfer strength into the theater of action and would have to keep the supply chains.

China moves to the construction of artificial islands on coral reefs, in the South China Sea.

Yes.The symbol of the growing military assertiveness of China is the appropriation of the South China Sea through the construction, contrary to the judgment of the Arbitration Court in Hague, artificial islands on coral reefs.These activities began during the term of office of President Barack Obama, who did not take up counteracting, satisfied with the assurances of XI Jinping that no military installations will be placed on the islands created.As we know, this assurance has joined the long list of promises broken by China.

It is known that radar stations were built on artificial islands, ports used to supply the fleet, starting belts, most likely the batteries of bullets are also installed there.This year, China tested the landing of bomb aircraft on one of the islands, which means that smaller fighters can easily operate from the runway, including J-20 made in stealth technology that hinders the detection of these machines by radars.

China's aggressive attitude in the region is also complemented by a militia operating within the fishing fleet, allowing hybrid activities on the basis of "green men" during the takeover of Crimea by Russia in 2014.

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The United States is the most vocal opponent of China's actions in the South China Sea and engage considerable military forces to question the maritime claims of the Middle Kingdom.As a result, very often the armed forces of China and the United States remain in great closeness of themselves, which raises the risk of an accidental incident that could turn into conflict.

There is also a risk of misunderstanding at the political level, overtaking your strength, position, threat, etc. All this means that we are talking about a very dangerous situation in which restraint is necessary.

Is it possible to attack a PRC on the island in the perspective of the year?Some commentators pointed to the confusion after the presidential elections in the US for a good moment to attack ...

Talking about whether there will be war or not is a rather risky occupation.On the one hand, if it is claimed that the war will break out, you can be accused of sowing self -fulfilling prophecies, on the other hand, if it is claimed that there will be no war, then this may justify the lack of preparing for its eventuality, which may turn out to bevery dangerous.

The commentary about a possible war during the confusion after the presidential election was prepared on the basis of the theoretical script of one of the Think tanks and was widely discussed in Taiwan.In my opinion, it does not seem likely, which does not mean that it is impossible, after all, we still have 2020, which repeatedly surprised us with events that could be considered unreal.

There are several reasons to hope that the war will not explode.Despite the fact that it can be assumed that the military advantage lies on the side of China, for her leader the war with Taiwan would now be a very risky move, with a result difficult to predict.

Taiwan's occupation by China would have to be done quickly so that the United States did not have time to hurry the island with help.Meanwhile, numerous examples show that defenders can extend their defense and effectively stop the attack for a long time.This is especially true in the case of Taiwan.China could probably quickly gain an advantage in the air and block the island, but to take control of it, they must physically transfer armor forces to it, and this is problematic.

The most likely way to transfer the armed forces would be a sea road, while on the island there are only five points that would be suitable for this type of invasion.What's more, in the winter over the Taiwan Strait, extremely gusty winds, aggravating the sea and hindering landing.

The prolonged conflict would waste Taiwan industry and infrastructure, which instead of strengthening China, the reconstruction of the island would become a serious burden for the continent.

So it is easy to imagine a script in which the invasion of Taiwan from the fast success of China turns into a long trap, causing social unrest in China.What's more, while China's authorities are constantly repeating that Taiwan's independence announcement is a border whose exceeding the military intervention of China, this regularity works the other way - the attack on Taiwan may, after all, result in the announcement of independence by Taiwan ...

How long do you live on the island and what do you do every day?

At Taiwan, and more precisely to the city of Kaohsung in the south of the island, I came across in January 2011, i.e. at any moment I will be able to celebrate a decade.Earlier I lived and worked in Amsterdam, where I met friends from Taiwan who persuaded me to come to them on vacation.I fell in love with the island and that's how my Taiwanese adventure began.

Foto: archiwym prywatneTomasz Śniedziewski

During my stay I was able to achieve what I had dreamed of - MBA studies with an emphasis on Asia and China's business culture.Shortly after graduating from staying in Taiwan, a case helped me - my friend who is an architect, decided to leave the previous workplace and set up his own studio so as to fully realize his vision and needed a helper who would help him face the business side of the undertaking.He offered me the job, which I do with great satisfaction to this day.

Air passion is a large part of my life.I was able to translate my interest in this industry into writing about aviation - I am currently a correspondent on the market square, where I would like to share information with readers from the Asia aviation market.I can also find me on Twitter - in addition to air messages, I try to bring my life in Taiwan on an ongoing basis, hence I would like to encourage readers to watch me and discuss on Twitter!

When is it all, do you recommend a visit to Taiwan as an alternative to Vietnam or Thailand holidays?

Definitely!In my opinion, Taiwan is one of those places that are known in Poland less than they should be, while they can offer a lot and I believe that after visiting Taiwan, travelers will come back from this place with many nice memories.

Marta Guillermo-Sajdak

Polka z Urugwaju: "pacjent zero" poszedł na 200-osobowe weseleCzytaj więcej

Despite the small island, we will find two climate zones, subtropical and tropical, wonderful nature, very tasty cuisine, kind people and excellent transport infrastructure, enabling easy travels.Anyway, the names of Taiwan can be best testified by the name of the main island of the country, Formosa - Ilha Formos is in the language of Portuguese explorers "beautiful island".

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Tomasz Śniedziewski, since the beginning of 2011 he has been living in the city of Kaohsung in the south of Taiwan.A graduate of MBA at the National Sun-Yat Sen University in Taiwan, currently works in an architectural office and is a correspondent of the Aviation Market Service, belonging to publishers in the TOR Economic Advisors Team.