Buzz
Taiwan is one of those nations that remains relatively unknown to many in the West. This is partly because Taiwan manages to avoid the more negative aspects of global media attention, but it is also closely tied to the complex relationship with China.
For most people, unless you've visited, hail from Taiwan, or know someone who does, it’s hard to grasp the true magnificence of this country and its rich, fascinating history.
These ten intriguing facts don’t encompass all there is to know about Taiwan, but they offer an excellent starting point for anyone eager to learn about this remarkable island nation.
10. Bubble Tea Originated in Taiwan
If you've ever enjoyed a cup of bubble tea, Taiwan is the place to thank for its creation. This delicious beverage was invented in the 1980s, originally consisting of Taiwanese black tea, condensed milk, syrup, and small tapioca pearls. The identity of its inventor is unclear, with two rival claims: the Chun Shui Tang tearoom in Taichung and the Hanlin Tea Room in Tainan, though it's uncertain which is the true origin.
Bubble tea became incredibly popular within Taiwan during the 1980s, though its spread beyond the island was gradual. Following its introduction, various versions emerged, and by the 1990s, it had spread to countries like Vietnam, China, and Malaysia. In the United States, the drink gained popularity during the same decade, mostly within communities with large Chinese and Taiwanese populations. Nowadays, it can be found in specialty shops nationwide, known as 'boba' in the West and 'bubble tea' in the East.
9. Taiwan Is China, But Not In The Way You Might Think
Taiwan’s history of international interference mirrors that of many Pacific island nations, beginning with the Dutch colonization in 1624. The Dutch left by 1662, and in 1682, the island became part of China under the Qing Dynasty. By 1895, the Japanese Empire had taken control, only to lose it after WWII, passing the island to the Republic of China. In 1971, the ROC on the mainland renamed itself the People’s Republic of China, but Taiwan continued to officially present itself as the ROC on the global stage.
The relationship between the mainland ROC and Taiwan became strained in 1949 when the Communists seized control of China. The legitimate ROC government fled to Taiwan, where it continued to operate as if representing all of China. In practice, it only governed Taiwan and a few other islands. Taiwan thus maintains its claim as the 'true China,' predating the establishment of the PRC, which in turn claims Taiwan as part of its territory. This situation has led to a dangerous geopolitical standoff, as the world faces two competing Chinas.
8. Taiwan Is Renowned For Its Infamous Stinky Tofu
Every nation has a dish that stands out as a favorite, and for Taiwan, it’s a unique form of fermented tofu. The snack is literally known as 'stinky tofu' in English, and the name is well-deserved, as many people compare its smell to that of blue cheese or damp socks. To create this delicacy, ordinary tofu is fermented for weeks or even months in a special brine, resulting in a pungent odor due to the ingredients in the brine.
The brine typically contains fermented milk, meats, fish, and vegetables. Stinky tofu’s odor doesn’t just linger close by; it can be detected from as far as 300 meters away. Despite its strong scent, it remains a beloved snack among Taiwanese locals. You won’t usually find stinky tofu in restaurants, so if you visit Taiwan, be sure to explore its famous night markets. These vibrant markets offer a variety of stinky tofu, each with its own distinct flavor and aroma, often served fried with sides like cucumber, pickled cabbage, chili, and soy sauce.
7. Taiwan’s Role in the United Nations
Following the conclusion of World War II, the United Nations was established, with Taiwan (as the Republic of China) being a founding member and a permanent member of the Security Council. However, today Taiwan is not a member, a situation largely influenced by the Communist Party of China. Between 1945 and 1971, the Republic of China participated in the UN General Assembly, but was expelled in 1971 after Chiang Kai-shek, the ROC leader, refused to accept the PRC’s claim as China's official representatives.
The diplomatic battle between the two governments over the right to represent China continued, with the PRC ultimately triumphing after receiving limited recognition before the 1970s. The debate shifted from which government should represent China to the matter of how Taiwan would be recognized internationally. Neither the ROC nor the PRC acknowledges the other's sovereignty, creating the ongoing 'Two Chinas' dilemma, complicating Taiwan's attempt at UN membership. As the PRC holds a permanent seat on the Security Council, it consistently opposes Taiwan's recognition, labeling it a breakaway state of China.
6. Taiwan Takes Trash Collection Very Seriously
In many developed nations, people simply dispose of their garbage in a bin and leave it on the curb for collection. Most people don't think twice about their trash once it’s been set out. In Taiwan, however, residents don’t place their trash at the curb unless they hear the garbage truck arriving, prompting the question: how do they know when it’s time to take out their trash?
Taiwanese garbage trucks play loud music to alert residents, similar to how ice cream trucks use music to attract children in the West. The trucks come through nightly, and the music is so loud that it can be heard even before the truck arrives on a street. If someone misses the truck, they must wait until the next night to dispose of their waste. The music they play ranges from Beethoven's 'Für Elise' to current K-pop hits and other popular tunes.
5. Donald Trump Set a New Precedent Regarding Taiwan Shortly After His Election
President Donald Trump has rarely followed traditional expectations for someone in his position, but one of his most notable breaks with tradition came in his approach to Taiwan and the United States' recognition of it. Since 1979, the United States and Taiwan have not maintained formal diplomatic relations, and like most of the world, the U.S. does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. This is largely due to the threat of Communist China, which has threatened to sever diplomatic ties with any country that acknowledges Taiwan as independent.
This status quo was shaken when, after Trump’s victory in the 2016 election, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, leader of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, made a historic phone call to President-elect Trump. This conversation, breaking decades of U.S. policy, became so controversial that it even has its own Wikipedia page. Despite the uproar, the call did not result in major political consequences.
4. Taiwanese Women Go to Great Lengths to Avoid Direct Sunlight
While not exactly vampires, the majority of Taiwanese women go to great lengths to shield themselves from the sun, driven by cultural beauty standards. Most women in Taiwan desire a fair complexion, which is why tanning booths are nearly nonexistent. On a sunny day, it's not uncommon to see hundreds of umbrellas being used as a form of protection from the sun's rays. The ideal aesthetic involves very light skin, so many women will carry umbrellas with them, regardless of whether it’s sunny or rainy.
Umbrellas are a common sight across Taiwan, but the effort to shield oneself from the sun doesn't stop there. Many women go to great lengths to protect themselves, even in the hottest weather. Along with an umbrella, they often wear sunglasses, hats, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and even gloves. This dedication to sun protection is not unique to Taiwan; it is also seen in mainland China, Vietnam, and other countries. However, it is particularly widespread across the entire island, which is responsible for producing 30% of the world's umbrellas.
3. Taiwan’s Night Markets Serve Some of the Island’s Best Cuisine
Taiwan is known for its bustling night markets, which operate from sunset to sunrise. These markets are filled with various street food stalls, but some, like the Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market (also known as Snake Alley), are specifically designed for tourists. Located in Taipei's Wanhua District, the oldest part of the city, Snake Alley spans two blocks and has a unique character.
Originally famous for its snake-based delicacies, Snake Alley has since expanded its offerings, including snake blood, turtle blood, turtle meat, and even deer penis wine, which cannot be found anywhere else.
Night markets are also where you can find stinky tofu in various forms, and they can be found all across the island. While night markets originated in China during the Tang Dynasty in the 9th century, Taiwan’s night markets have become globally renowned. These markets began in the 1950s as small spaces catering to urban populations, but over time, they grew into prosperous hubs that serve both locals and tourists alike.
2. Taiwan Is One of the Four Asian Tigers
When the ROC relocated to Taiwan, the island was still considered a developing economy, and it took some time for it to evolve into the prosperous nation it is today. In the second half of the 20th century, Taiwan saw a period of rapid economic growth, alongside Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong, as part of the so-called ‘Four Asian Tigers.’ Taiwan’s transformation was largely supported by $4 billion in economic aid from the United States, which gave the nation the foundation to rebuild its economy.
From 1945 to 1965, Taiwan focused heavily on internal economic improvements, passing key laws and rapidly expanding its agricultural exports for international trade. The country also worked on fostering industrialization, which allowed it to create a protected domestic market. After Taiwan was expelled from the UN General Assembly in the early 1970s, it shifted its focus to technology, becoming a major supplier to companies like DEC and IBM and helping to lay the groundwork for Silicon Valley. By the 1980s, Taiwan had become an economic powerhouse and continues to maintain that status to this day.
1. President Trump Has Taken Steps to Strengthen Taiwan-US Relations
Since Donald Trump assumed office, he has taken several measures to bolster Taiwan through laws and trade agreements that have met strong opposition from Beijing. His first notable action was a phone call with Tsai Ing-wen, but the most significant move came in 2018 with the passage of the Taiwan Travel Act. This new law permitted government officials from the United States and Taiwan to visit each other's countries, marking the first such legislation since the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, which established non-diplomatic relations between the two nations.
In March 2020, President Trump enacted the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act, signaling a significant step toward formal recognition of Taiwan. This legislation bolstered both official and unofficial ties between the United States and Taiwan, while also including provisions that empower the US to advocate for Taiwan’s membership in international organizations. Trump's actions continued to provoke Beijing when, in the same month, he authorized a $180 million arms sale to Taiwan, including eighteen MK-48 Mod6 Advanced Technology Heavy Weight Torpedoes and associated equipment.
