The Meaning and History of “Taiwanese Compatriots” Sparks Heated Debate

A recent online dispute has highlighted the complexities surrounding the concept of “Taiwanese compatriots” and its implications for cross-strait relations between mainland China and Taiwan.

The controversy began when a mainland Chinese individual thanked “Taiwanese compatriots” in the comments of a YouTube video. This prompted an angry response from a Taiwanese commenter who rejected the label of “compatriots”, arguing that Taiwanese people should not be referred to as such by mainland Chinese.

The heated exchange touched on a sensitive issue rooted in the complex history between the two sides. The term “compatriots” has been used historically to imply that mainland China and Taiwan are part of one country and share a common nationality and identity. However, its meaning has evolved along with changing cross-strait relations.

During the period of the Republic of China, which ruled over mainland China and Taiwan until 1949, the term was frequently invoked by both governments to emphasize unity. Following the Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War, the Republic of China government relocated to Taiwan while the Communists founded the People’s Republic of China on the mainland.

In more recent decades, Taiwan has transitioned to a robust democracy with a distinct Taiwanese identity. As a result, references to “compatriots” have become less common and more controversial. Many in Taiwan today reject its connotation of a shared Chinese nationality and prefer terms that recognize Taiwan’s sovereignty.

The debate also intersects with legal questions. A recent court case in Taiwan ruled that a mainland Chinese individual was eligible for state compensation provided to Taiwanese citizens who suffered persecution during the martial law era from 1949–1987. The decision rested on an interpretation of Taiwan’s laws and the individual’s circumstances rather than a declaration that all mainland Chinese are considered Taiwanese nationals.

Nonetheless, both the court case and the online dispute illustrate the divergence between Taiwan’s domestic laws and mainland China’s position that Taiwan is part of its territory. This disconnect will likely continue sparking disagreements whenever the concept of a shared cross-strait nationality is invoked. The meaning of “compatriots” remains highly specific to each era’s political climate rather than a fixed definition.