Word: kai-shek
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...long as Chiang Kai-shek regarded an invasion of the mainland as imminent, the problem of winning the friendship of the Formosans was lightly regarded. But in recent months two events-the Chinese reds increased attacks on Chiang's offshore islands and President Eisenhower's refusal to support a nationalist invasion of the mainland-have changed Formosa from an offensive base into a "beleaguered fortress," a status which it will probably hold for some time. And in this prolonged war of nerves, the strength of Formosan Chinese Nationalist relations will largely determine the future of the island...
...Clriang Kai-shek's prestige on Formosa was at a low level when he was forced from the mainland in 1949. A group of Chinese "carpetbaggers," immediately after Japan's surrender, had gained control of 90 percent of the island's economic enterprises and had substituted Chinese technicians and civil officials for Formosans, irrespective of their abilities. Incited by there resulting inflation and the oppressive Chinese government, the Formosans rebelled in 1947. The uprising was brutally surprised-nearly ten thousand Formosans lost their lives-but it did lead to a more enlightened rule until 1949, when Chiang again restored martial...
...Chaing Kai-shek's political reforms are more controversial. An increased number of Formosans are now in all grades of the civil service. The National Legislature, which formerly drafted laws under instruction, now questions ministers, examines the budget and initiates legislation. Chiang Kai-shek can still dismiss the legislature, however, with only the slightest pretext. Most of the country's political power still comes down from the bureaucracy, rather than up from the legislature. Though more Formosans now hold political office, the Kuomintang party machine determines the results of any election...
...shall be restored to the Republic of China." Since the Chinese had ceded Formosa and the Pescadores to Japan in a treaty at the end of the nineteenth century, the formal transfer of these islands had to await to Japanese peace treaty. No major power objected, however, when Chiang Kai-shek's forces occupied the island in 1945 and established the Nationalist government there...
Agreement on the future of Formosa lasted only as long as Chiang Kai-shek held control of the mainland of China. Once the Nationalists were pushed from the mainland in 1949, the Chinese Communists asserted their claims to Formosa and argued that the parties to the Cairo Declaration had intended the island to go the effective rulers of China. A bizarre series of debates followed in which both Russians and Nationalist Chinese accepted the Cairo agreements. Each contended that Formosa belonged to a different China...