BETWEEN CHINA AND A HARD PLACE.

INTERNATIONAL conflict; TAIWANESE autonomy & independence movements; CHINA-Taiwan relations; BRITISH diplomatic & consular service; MAO, Zedong, 1893-1976; CHIANG, Kai-shek, 1887-1975

The article traces the history of the dispute over the independence of Taiwan from China. Topics discussed include the failure of early Chinese maps to feature Taiwan despite claims that it is an integral part of the country since ancient times, role of the potential of Taiwan in the British decision to open the first consulate on the island in 1861, and belief of Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedong that Taiwan should be independent as opposed to the view of President Chiang Kai-shek.