(This is more of an overall comment on the five existing responses, so there’s quite a bit of digression here.)
When we make comparisons, we can only compare certain aspects of the subjects under scrutiny. When we say two things are similar, we usually mean that they are similar in the particular aspects that we are looking at - but not necessarily in the other aspects. If we somehow decide that in order for two things to be similar they must agree on all aspects, then we’ll no longer be able to find any similar pairs: because no two objects are identical - unless they come out from the same mo
(This is more of an overall comment on the five existing responses, so there’s quite a bit of digression here.)
When we make comparisons, we can only compare certain aspects of the subjects under scrutiny. When we say two things are similar, we usually mean that they are similar in the particular aspects that we are looking at - but not necessarily in the other aspects. If we somehow decide that in order for two things to be similar they must agree on all aspects, then we’ll no longer be able to find any similar pairs: because no two objects are identical - unless they come out from the same mold.
Back to the question. For some the important similarity between Austrian-German relationship and Taiwan-China relationship is that both pairs share many ethnic, linguistic, and cultural heritage. That similarity leads them to deduce that since Germany has no problem recognizing Austrian sovereignty, China shouldn’t claim sovereignty over Taiwan on ethnic/linguistic/cultural ground. The unexpressed axiom beneath this argument is that ethnicity/linguistic/cultural/historical ties are important reasons behind China’s current claim, so undermining the relationship between these ties and sovereignty would very much weaken that claim.
Conversely, some emphasize on the differences in historical political relationship over the pairs of entities, and conclude that this is overrides the aforementioned similarities. The underlying rationale is that past political situations can dictate future arrangements - once unified, always have reason to remain unified; once independent, always have reason to remain independent, once ceded, always have reason to remain ceded.
It is not difficult to see that the above rationalizations could very well be used by the opposite camp in justifying its cause.
What are we looking at when we talk about historical contexts, after all? When we talk about Germany, are we talking about Voltaire’s Germany, Bismark’s Germany (a.k.a. Greater Prussia, “a state owned by an army and the junker”), or that envisioned by the Frankfurt Parliament? When we talk about China, are we talking about Liang Qichao’s China, the PRC (“a state owned by a party and the bureaucrats”), or something else?
Like we choose our analogies, we choose our definitions that suit our tastes.
Relations between Austria-Germany and Taiwan-China are vastly different. Although the two pairs do share similar cultural ties with each other, the nature of their relations are not the same at all.
To understand this point, we must look at their historical relations first. Austria and Germany once had a political union of sorts known as the Holy Roman Empire, from around 962 to 1806. This political union consisted of a loose confederation of German states (Bavaria, Brandenburg, etc) and the kingdom of Austria. From the 16th century onwards, most of the Emperors were of the Austrian House of Ha
Relations between Austria-Germany and Taiwan-China are vastly different. Although the two pairs do share similar cultural ties with each other, the nature of their relations are not the same at all.
To understand this point, we must look at their historical relations first. Austria and Germany once had a political union of sorts known as the Holy Roman Empire, from around 962 to 1806. This political union consisted of a loose confederation of German states (Bavaria, Brandenburg, etc) and the kingdom of Austria. From the 16th century onwards, most of the Emperors were of the Austrian House of Hapsburg. After 1806, the last Emperor Francis II dissolved the Empire and became sole Emperor of Austria. Germany remained scattered until its unification by Bismarck in 1871. Germany and Austria were close allies after then; this was seen with their mutual support during WW1 (despite this political alliance the German Hohenzollerns often mistrusted the Austrian Hapsburgs). Following the rise of Hitler, Germany and Austria united under the Anschluss plan to unite all German speakers. After WW2, Germany and Austria maintain close cultural, political and economic ties, something that we cannot say for China-Taiwan.
The relationship with China and Taiwan goes back to the Chinese Civil War in the 1930s and 1940s. Before then, Taiwan and China were ruled by one government, either the Qing (1644-1911) or the Republic of China (1911-1949). During the Chinese Civil War, the ruling Kuomintang Party under Chiang Kai-Shek was at odds with the Chinese Communist Party under Mao Zedong. The KMT supported the urban intellectuals while the CCP supported the rural farmers (Maoist communism centers around the plight of the farmer). Because China was agrarian and very poor, and the CCCP was very good at war strategy, the communists quickly gained the upper hand. By 1949, the communists had won the Civil War, and the KMT fled to the island of Taiwan. The KMT continued the legacy of the old Republic of China, while the communists proclaimed the new People's Republic of China. To this day, the RoC and the PRoC claim jurisdiction over both entities (similar to how North and South Korea lay claim to the whole Korean peninsula). The West supported the RoC until 10/25/1971 when the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 2758 declared the PRoC as the lawful China. Despite this political declaration, China and Taiwan are still in a very tense state, and the US also tends to offer military support to Taiwan, much to the anger of China.
Thus, we can see that the relationship between the two pairs is rather quite different. Germany and Austria have been maintaining a stable relationship, as well as politically recognizing each other's sovereignty. China and Taiwan on the other hand, still do not recognize the other's sovereignty and continue to have tense relations.
They’re not the same, and one shouldn’t be used as a positive or normative analogy to another.
I’ve seen a lot of Taiwanese separatists use Austria and Germany’s existence as two separate independent states to justify mainland China and Taiwan becoming two separate states. As I discussed in another post, they’re not entirely in the wrong about that — if Austria and Germany share the same language, culture, and history but can still be separate countries, a Taiwan that has nothing to do with China politically but retains cultural and linguistic similarities with the mainland is not an impossibil
They’re not the same, and one shouldn’t be used as a positive or normative analogy to another.
I’ve seen a lot of Taiwanese separatists use Austria and Germany’s existence as two separate independent states to justify mainland China and Taiwan becoming two separate states. As I discussed in another post, they’re not entirely in the wrong about that — if Austria and Germany share the same language, culture, and history but can still be separate countries, a Taiwan that has nothing to do with China politically but retains cultural and linguistic similarities with the mainland is not an impossibility. Quora User's answer to Do you want Taiwan to be free from China and become an independent country?
However, the historical background is important here. There was a time when Austria was its own country before it came under German sovereignty and became an internationally recognized independent country once more. Taiwan, on the other hand, has been under Chinese sovereignty since 1945, and remains so in spite of the civil war that made Taiwan separately governed from the mainland but did not alter Taiwan’s status as a part of China.
Cross-Strait relations are not that complicated as some make them out to be, but it really is unique. When people try to draw analogies (like Austria-Germany or Union vs. Confederacy), 99% of the time they reach the wrong conclusions.
I wouldn’t even try.
These are so different, that when someone tries to make a historical analogy, I’d start by asking them “why exactly are you making this analogy?”.
Comparing Austria-Germany relations to Taiwan-China relations involves examining the historical, political, and economic contexts of both relationships.
Austria-Germany Relations
- Historical Context: Austria and Germany share a deep historical connection, with both countries speaking German and having intertwined cultural and political histories. The relationship was significantly affected by events like World War I and II, but has since stabilized.
- Political Relations: Both nations are members of the European Union, which facilitates cooperation on various political and economic issues. Their re
Comparing Austria-Germany relations to Taiwan-China relations involves examining the historical, political, and economic contexts of both relationships.
Austria-Germany Relations
- Historical Context: Austria and Germany share a deep historical connection, with both countries speaking German and having intertwined cultural and political histories. The relationship was significantly affected by events like World War I and II, but has since stabilized.
- Political Relations: Both nations are members of the European Union, which facilitates cooperation on various political and economic issues. Their relationship is generally characterized by strong diplomatic ties and collaboration in international forums.
- Economic Relations: Germany is Austria's largest trading partner, and they have strong economic interdependence. This includes significant investments and trade in various sectors, including manufacturing and services.
- Cultural Ties: The cultural similarities and shared language foster close people-to-people connections, including in education, arts, and tourism.
Taiwan-China Relations
- Historical Context: The relationship between Taiwan and China is more contentious and complex. Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state, while China views it as a part of its territory. This has led to ongoing tensions since the Chinese Civil War, when the Kuomintang retreated to Taiwan.
- Political Relations: Taiwan operates as a separate political entity with its own government and democratic elections, but it faces diplomatic isolation due to pressure from China, which does not recognize its sovereignty. The U.S. and some other countries maintain informal relationships with Taiwan, complicating the geopolitical landscape.
- Economic Relations: Despite political tensions, Taiwan and China have significant economic ties, with Taiwan being a major investor in China and a key supplier in global tech supply chains. However, economic interdependence does not translate into political alignment.
- Cultural and Social Dynamics: There are cultural ties due to shared history and language, but these are often overshadowed by political disagreements. National identity plays a crucial role in how people in Taiwan perceive their relationship with China.
Key Comparisons
- Nature of Relations: Austria-Germany relations are characterized by cooperation and integration, while Taiwan-China relations are marked by tension and conflict over sovereignty and political recognition.
- Political Status: Austria and Germany both operate within the framework of the EU, whereas Taiwan's status is contentious, with limited formal international recognition due to China's influence.
- Economic Interdependence: Both pairs exhibit economic ties, but the nature and impact of these ties differ significantly due to the political contexts. Austria and Germany benefit from mutual cooperation, while Taiwan's economic relationship with China is complicated by security concerns.
Conclusion
In summary, while Austria-Germany relations are defined by cooperation and shared identity within a European context, Taiwan-China relations are fraught with political tension and differing views on sovereignty, affecting their economic and cultural interactions.
Just my opinion, not even similar. Austria has for years been glad there is a very POWEFUL friend in Europe. The citizens of Austria did not flee Germany to keep themselves seperate from the Germans.
Through most of history, the majority of Austrians have had a kinsmanship with Germany and benefited from the presence of Germany.
Germany seems to be considered the big brother and is usually there to back Austria up.... may not think the same on everything, but one is there for the other when puah comes to shove.
Not nearly the same relationship of Tiawan-China. Start with the indiginous fol
Just my opinion, not even similar. Austria has for years been glad there is a very POWEFUL friend in Europe. The citizens of Austria did not flee Germany to keep themselves seperate from the Germans.
Through most of history, the majority of Austrians have had a kinsmanship with Germany and benefited from the presence of Germany.
Germany seems to be considered the big brother and is usually there to back Austria up.... may not think the same on everything, but one is there for the other when puah comes to shove.
Not nearly the same relationship of Tiawan-China. Start with the indiginous folk of Tiawan. They are not they did not necessarily look forward to have'n been taken over by the Chinese Nationalist. Theirs seems to be a more a cordial only relationship of a cousin to the expatriots who fled there from mainland China and the comunists.
Again, this is my opinion and understanding of the relatively complicated situation in Taiwan. It probably helps that the island nation is an economic power house.
Certainly all the parties benefit there from that... but again I may have that slightly off so YMMV and reasearch it for more specificity on the interplay of the parties.
If China is like Germany, is Taiwan like Austria?
Nope. Not at all.
Your terminology is misleading. Deliberately I suspect.
China is indeed like Germany prior to reunification. But Taiwan is nothing like Austria.
It’s not “China on one side, and Taiwan on the other”.
It’s “mainland China on one side, and Taiwan on the other”.
If the two sides were not separated by water, then Mainland China would have been labeled West China and Taiwan would have been labeled East China.
The relationship between the two sides is similar to the relationship between East Germany and West Germany or North Vietnam and So
If China is like Germany, is Taiwan like Austria?
Nope. Not at all.
Your terminology is misleading. Deliberately I suspect.
China is indeed like Germany prior to reunification. But Taiwan is nothing like Austria.
It’s not “China on one side, and Taiwan on the other”.
It’s “mainland China on one side, and Taiwan on the other”.
If the two sides were not separated by water, then Mainland China would have been labeled West China and Taiwan would have been labeled East China.
The relationship between the two sides is similar to the relationship between East Germany and West Germany or North Vietnam and South Vietnam prior to their eventual reunification.
China’s reunification is not a Nazi Anschluss. It is not annexation. It is the post-Cold War restoration of former unity.
Varun Hukeri has a good answer on general details. I would point out that there was one time period when Germany was being unified under Prussian control where the analogy might have applied.
Basically Prussia under Frederick the Great and related kings fought a series of wars with Austria, which resulted in Prussia becoming the dominant power in Germany, and Austria being excluded. Prior to this, "the Germanies" were a loose collection of states including a lot of land in what is now Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, etc. After these wars, Prussia basically defined the nation of Germany as the
Varun Hukeri has a good answer on general details. I would point out that there was one time period when Germany was being unified under Prussian control where the analogy might have applied.
Basically Prussia under Frederick the Great and related kings fought a series of wars with Austria, which resulted in Prussia becoming the dominant power in Germany, and Austria being excluded. Prior to this, "the Germanies" were a loose collection of states including a lot of land in what is now Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, etc. After these wars, Prussia basically defined the nation of Germany as the areas under its control or its allies'.
The problem is, this period was rather short, and since then the two have not had anything like the contentious relationship between Beijing and Taipei.
So at one moment in time around 1866 this analogy worked, but not since them.
Taiwan’s situation is complex.
Until the 1970s, Taiwan was near-universally recognised as a nation state. They held a seat at the UN, including having permanent membership of the Security Council.
The Peoples Republic of China, in contrast, was regarded essentially as a rogue state. It was a nuclear power, and an ally of the USSR, but few countries outside of the Soviet bloc recognised it.
Then the USA pulled off a diplomatic coup. The details are complex but, essentially, in return for pretending Taiwan didn’t exist and that the PRC had been the legitimate Chinese state all along, the PRC would
Taiwan’s situation is complex.
Until the 1970s, Taiwan was near-universally recognised as a nation state. They held a seat at the UN, including having permanent membership of the Security Council.
The Peoples Republic of China, in contrast, was regarded essentially as a rogue state. It was a nuclear power, and an ally of the USSR, but few countries outside of the Soviet bloc recognised it.
Then the USA pulled off a diplomatic coup. The details are complex but, essentially, in return for pretending Taiwan didn’t exist and that the PRC had been the legitimate Chinese state all along, the PRC would break from the Soviet bloc.
Most of the world has been running with this deal ever since.
As for the rivalry, it is somewhat more intense than any between Germany and Austria in recent times. The PRC regards Taiwan as a rebel province, and believes passionately that China must be reunited. They would prefer to use peaceful means, but violence is preferable to losing Taiwan - even all out war.
The Taiwanese, meanwhile, live in a far more prosperous and democratic nation than the PRC and don’t seem too keen on becoming a part of it. I suspect the only thing stopping them from declaring themselves an independent nation is the knowledge that the PRC would immediately begin bombing.
It would be similar, but only if Germany wanted desperately to reunite with Austria, or the UK did not consider Australia and New Zealand to be proper nations, did not recognise them as such and swore to “one day reunite the glorious motherland and restore the Empire”. Now obviously if Germany or the UK said such things, we would all get rather uncomfortable. It’d give us flashbacks to a dark era where just because a land was once ‘yours’ you now have the right to claim it as yours until perpetuity and return it through any means necessary…
Of course, thankfully, England no longer has any imper
It would be similar, but only if Germany wanted desperately to reunite with Austria, or the UK did not consider Australia and New Zealand to be proper nations, did not recognise them as such and swore to “one day reunite the glorious motherland and restore the Empire”. Now obviously if Germany or the UK said such things, we would all get rather uncomfortable. It’d give us flashbacks to a dark era where just because a land was once ‘yours’ you now have the right to claim it as yours until perpetuity and return it through any means necessary…
Of course, thankfully, England no longer has any imperialistic ambitions that I am aware of. And Germany, too, learned its lesson after 1945. Some other countries, however, never quite got the memo… they still believe it is fair and acceptable in the year 2020 to bully, threaten and pressure other sovereign nations to “return to the fold” and join the ‘glorious motherland’.
Problem is, people in Taiwan don’t suffer from a heavily restricted internet and flow of information. They know full-well that the ‘motherland’ that wishes them to be absorbed by it, isn’t very glorious at all.
- Night markets, many many of them
- Hot springs - Beitou, Yilan etc etc
- Well developed and well connected transportation
- Food - Best street food, Chinese cuisine
- Safety - Petty crimes, violent crimes are rare or almost non existent
- Warm, Friendly and welcoming to foreigners
- Great place to enjoy nature, if you travel outside Taipei
- Per capita 7–11 and Family marts highest. Can be found everywhere. Sometimes they are next door to each other.
- Many festivals, temples
- Cheap, affordable and quality health care
- Learn and practice Chinese
- Earthquakes - will become part of daily life, you will stop worrying about it
- Night markets, many many of them
- Hot springs - Beitou, Yilan etc etc
- Well developed and well connected transportation
- Food - Best street food, Chinese cuisine
- Safety - Petty crimes, violent crimes are rare or almost non existent
- Warm, Friendly and welcoming to foreigners
- Great place to enjoy nature, if you travel outside Taipei
- Per capita 7–11 and Family marts highest. Can be found everywhere. Sometimes they are next door to each other.
- Many festivals, temples
- Cheap, affordable and quality health care
- Learn and practice Chinese
- Earthquakes - will become part of daily life, you will stop worrying about it after some time!
Germany does not have missiles pointed at Austria.
Germany has a strong relationship with both Austria and Switzerland. The relationship with Austria is closer on three grounds. 1. Both are members of the EU and their links at the EU table in Brussels are wide and deep. 2. Both countries are German-speaking with a few Hungarian speakers and other citizens near adjoining countries using the language of that country. 3. Austrians and Germans are predominantly ethnic Germans. However, the Austria-Hungarian Empire and Germany’s annexation of Austria early in WW2 creates sensitivities in the relationship. Germany is more successful economically tha
Germany has a strong relationship with both Austria and Switzerland. The relationship with Austria is closer on three grounds. 1. Both are members of the EU and their links at the EU table in Brussels are wide and deep. 2. Both countries are German-speaking with a few Hungarian speakers and other citizens near adjoining countries using the language of that country. 3. Austrians and Germans are predominantly ethnic Germans. However, the Austria-Hungarian Empire and Germany’s annexation of Austria early in WW2 creates sensitivities in the relationship. Germany is more successful economically than Austria. Switzerland is the most highly developed nation on earth. Germany is joint 7th with Ireland. Austria is 22nd. About two-thirds of Swiss people speak German but less than 5 per cent of people in Switzerland identify themselves as ethnic Germans. This may be the most revealing fact in the large panoply of relationships between these countries. Switzerland houses a broad range of international bodies (WHO, parts of the UN etc) and German and Austrian links and contributions to these bodies are extensive.
This is going back 15 years:
The first thing which struck me when I got off the plane was that in a moment I had become illiterate. I learnt to read when I was 3, have an honours degree in philosophy, and suddenly I couldn't read the most basic things. The first time I used an atm I withdrew 50,000 NT instead of 5000, because I also no longer knew my numbers.
It was a huge, and incredibly educational experience!
It was louder, faster, and more crowded than any European city I had ever visited, but in a way I expected that, what I did not expect was the total lack of health and safety laws. Seeing
This is going back 15 years:
The first thing which struck me when I got off the plane was that in a moment I had become illiterate. I learnt to read when I was 3, have an honours degree in philosophy, and suddenly I couldn't read the most basic things. The first time I used an atm I withdrew 50,000 NT instead of 5000, because I also no longer knew my numbers.
It was a huge, and incredibly educational experience!
It was louder, faster, and more crowded than any European city I had ever visited, but in a way I expected that, what I did not expect was the total lack of health and safety laws. Seeing children on scooters and mopeds, holding onto their parents was surprising, but seeing delivery men, on motor bikes with gas bottles strapped to them genuinely shocked me! I soon realised that many of the rules we take for granted in the UK just did not exist.
Its also a evening/night culture, of course this is partly climate, but its very different to see shops, night markets, all busy at 10 o’clock at night.
I loved every minute of my time there, living in Taipei and Yung Ho, and became as used to these things as any foreigner could. It became nothing to me to call up for a new gas delivery and hear the motor bike pull up outside, and I stopped being shocked at seeing small children up and about at 10 pm, but I dont think I ever got used to dentists with huge glass windows so you could see their patients getting treatment
Thank you for asking a question which has brought back so many happy memories.
Plausible if:
Let go of all ROC claims and publicly guarantee that the island will not be used as a base of operations against the Mainland.
The Mainland won’t be able to let go of their threats unless those two things happen. They can offer some peace offering to kinda incentiveze the Taiwanese but from their POV, those two issues mentioned are existential threats.
Going independent won’t mean much if you don’t guarantee it won’t be used as a base and not threatening the island won’t stop if foreign powers are messing around, using the island as a geopolitical card… it will take the Taiwanese th
Plausible if:
Let go of all ROC claims and publicly guarantee that the island will not be used as a base of operations against the Mainland.
The Mainland won’t be able to let go of their threats unless those two things happen. They can offer some peace offering to kinda incentiveze the Taiwanese but from their POV, those two issues mentioned are existential threats.
Going independent won’t mean much if you don’t guarantee it won’t be used as a base and not threatening the island won’t stop if foreign powers are messing around, using the island as a geopolitical card… it will take the Taiwanese themselves to nudge on that front, by denouncing such scenarios so the foreign powers will back off and mainland will lower tensions.
The Taiwanese have to make the first and most important moves here.
Not the most perfect analogy but it is the closest one you can use to understand the relationship. Austria is culturally similar to Bavaria in Southern Germany while the Chinese province most culturally similar to Taiwan would be Fujian. Fujian is in South China (Southeast to be precise).
By asking this question, you are suggesting that the two are indeed compared.
In 1938, a significant proportion of Austrians were in favour of the Anschluss for political (e.g. Hitler being Austrian) and economic reasons including the aftermath of the Great Depression and the loss of their Empire after WWI. Therefore, there was little backlash against the Nazi government effectively pressuring Austrian Chancellor Schuschnigg to resign. Non of this popular support for annexation applies to Taiwan where a majority support a ‘less intimate’ relationship with the mainland, which is ruled by a party
By asking this question, you are suggesting that the two are indeed compared.
In 1938, a significant proportion of Austrians were in favour of the Anschluss for political (e.g. Hitler being Austrian) and economic reasons including the aftermath of the Great Depression and the loss of their Empire after WWI. Therefore, there was little backlash against the Nazi government effectively pressuring Austrian Chancellor Schuschnigg to resign. Non of this popular support for annexation applies to Taiwan where a majority support a ‘less intimate’ relationship with the mainland, which is ruled by a party that, in their mind, does not hold legitimacy over China. In the CCP’s logic, taking Taiwan by force would not be an annexation (as the Anschluss for the German Reich), as it is evidently part of the PRC, over which the party exercises complete and unfaltering control. Overall, the comparison does not seem very fitting.
After sharing my views on China, China and Taiwan, for eg Joseph Siew's answer to Would most overseas Chinese and Chinese-Americans support China if it invaded Taiwan one day? Or would they be against such a move, and respect the wishes of the Taiwanese people? the comments from foreigners are weird to Asians like myself. They don’t like history because historically China owns Taiwan, and it still owns Taiwan. They like to point out NOW. Now Taiwan is, according to them, a sovereign country because it has its own currency, military, government. So when I educate them about the Chinese civil wa
After sharing my views on China, China and Taiwan, for eg Joseph Siew's answer to Would most overseas Chinese and Chinese-Americans support China if it invaded Taiwan one day? Or would they be against such a move, and respect the wishes of the Taiwanese people? the comments from foreigners are weird to Asians like myself. They don’t like history because historically China owns Taiwan, and it still owns Taiwan. They like to point out NOW. Now Taiwan is, according to them, a sovereign country because it has its own currency, military, government. So when I educate them about the Chinese civil war, they would get really antagonistic. And they would bring up China is a dictatorship blah blah blah…..And I have to educate them the Chinese system. And then they would call me a CCP sympathizer, and I don’t know democracy. So I have to educate them on democracy. So I guess Foreigners understand Taiwan’s relationship superficially.
Having said that, there are some foreigners who really know China. You know who you are…..clap clap clap.
The relationship can be split into political and personal:
The political relationship between Germany and China is good. Germany knows that nothing happens anymore around the globe without China‘s interest being considered.
And China knows that Germany is very important for its development in Europe and some other parts of the world.
So both countries political leaders respect each other.
The political relationship between Germany and the US currently does not exist.
The personal relationship between the US and Germany is still good. Although Trump voters wish Germany to an very hot place the rest
The relationship can be split into political and personal:
The political relationship between Germany and China is good. Germany knows that nothing happens anymore around the globe without China‘s interest being considered.
And China knows that Germany is very important for its development in Europe and some other parts of the world.
So both countries political leaders respect each other.
The political relationship between Germany and the US currently does not exist.
The personal relationship between the US and Germany is still good. Although Trump voters wish Germany to an very hot place the rest of the US people still want to travel to Bavaria and drive a Mercedes. Germans might be more cautious as they feel that the people in the US are responsible for the election of Trump. And Obama was Probably more admired than any other US president before, except JFK.
Relationship to China on a personal level is rare. Better educated people in Germany or more traveling people know Chinese people and usually have a good relationship. My neighbor is Chinese. She is a medical doctor and married to a German. She still works hard on her language but gets along very well. When I am in China my relationship to my friends there is also good. They respect my language problems and we get along fine.
In no way. Germany is much more influenced by USA. For instance US army stations there. Then there cultural bonds. It is Polish and German workers and engenieers that created USA(Brits panic too much over winter). Also education in USA is based on Prussian eductation. Moreover many Americans claim to be of German heritage.
Even American president J. F. Kennedy said that he is from Berlin to say he is with German people (although by mistake he said he was a donought)
Also there is far more cultural exchance between those two countries. Disney movies are far more popular than a
In no way. Germany is much more influenced by USA. For instance US army stations there. Then there cultural bonds. It is Polish and German workers and engenieers that created USA(Brits panic too much over winter). Also education in USA is based on Prussian eductation. Moreover many Americans claim to be of German heritage.
Even American president J. F. Kennedy said that he is from Berlin to say he is with German people (although by mistake he said he was a donought)
Also there is far more cultural exchance between those two countries. Disney movies are far more popular than any Chinese production. Chinese stick with Asians and Germans stick with Americans that is the way it is.
This is the only relationship I am aware of. During the time of the Weimar Republic in Germany, one of their best generals, Van Seekt, I believe after he retired, went to China to train the Nationalist Army. A few other German generals went to China as advisors and trainers to the Nationalist Army. After Hitler came to power, they were withdrawn.
Some of them like Taiwan (ROC), especially admiring their engineering skills in the semiconductor industries.
The relationship between Germany and the United States are much better than between Germany and China. Even with the orange buffon, called POTUS the time being.
Reason being: our cultures are much more intertwined. Think, for example, of all the Disney movies like Snow white and the seven dwarfs. Almost all tales are commonly known in Germany and the US (same is true for the UK and France). There are about 45 million US citizens who, for some reason, claim proudly to be of german heritage.
We share a similiar view on very basic things like human rights, the importance of the individuum, the role
The relationship between Germany and the United States are much better than between Germany and China. Even with the orange buffon, called POTUS the time being.
Reason being: our cultures are much more intertwined. Think, for example, of all the Disney movies like Snow white and the seven dwarfs. Almost all tales are commonly known in Germany and the US (same is true for the UK and France). There are about 45 million US citizens who, for some reason, claim proudly to be of german heritage.
We share a similiar view on very basic things like human rights, the importance of the individuum, the role of the state in a society, how the economy should be organised and how to interact with people around you.
Both cultures are deeply influenced by a common faith, our popular cultures are very much alike. We exchange pupils and students on a much larger scale between our countries, there are more Americans than Chinese working in German Companies (and vice versa), more Germans have been to the US than to China and so on.
And those relations date back much longer then our relations to China. Thus, we have way more in common with another, than we have with China or the Chinese.
There is a german idom to this: “Gleich und gleich gesellt sich gern” (literally: equal and equal like to join). Meaning: Birds of a feather flock together.
No problem. We all know it is just a theatrical show & an assignment to master USA.
German economy has been dragged to dirt by USA in the Ukraine war where Germany did not want to be involved in to begin with. If Germany still get itself in Chinese affairs, Germany is hopelessly stupid.
Since I am not sure what your question is really asking, I will answer it literally. Foreigners’ understanding of the relationship between Taiwan and Mainland China is based on either what they see in the media (this might not be the best source for an accurate perspective or clear understanding as many media sources can be quite biased), or by personal experiences with or in each place. Where you are visiting or living, or working will have a significant impact on one’s understanding. It is however, important to be observant to one’s surroundings to have a more accurate understanding of this
Since I am not sure what your question is really asking, I will answer it literally. Foreigners’ understanding of the relationship between Taiwan and Mainland China is based on either what they see in the media (this might not be the best source for an accurate perspective or clear understanding as many media sources can be quite biased), or by personal experiences with or in each place. Where you are visiting or living, or working will have a significant impact on one’s understanding. It is however, important to be observant to one’s surroundings to have a more accurate understanding of this relationship. Politics aside, most people I’ve interacted with are ambivalent towards the people on the other side of the straight.
The Chinese cannot distinguish between Germans and French.
It is also difficult for Chinese values to understand why Europe is divided into so many countries.
So when the Chinese speak of Germany, he is likely to think of the European Union.
Europe is the traditional West and has more moral culture.
The United States is too much affected by capitalism, places too much emphasis on its interests, and has no traditional moral values. Although the United States is still strong now, history tells us that there is no empire that is always strong, especially an empire that depends on military power.
The
The Chinese cannot distinguish between Germans and French.
It is also difficult for Chinese values to understand why Europe is divided into so many countries.
So when the Chinese speak of Germany, he is likely to think of the European Union.
Europe is the traditional West and has more moral culture.
The United States is too much affected by capitalism, places too much emphasis on its interests, and has no traditional moral values. Although the United States is still strong now, history tells us that there is no empire that is always strong, especially an empire that depends on military power.
The EU is politically an ally of the United States, but the EU also has its own independence, and Germany is pursuing the European dream.
the future world is pattern in which China、 Europe、 and the United States .
Taiwanese want to mind their own business, and won’t welcome someone in Beijing to meddle in the internal affairs of Taiwan. That’s for sure.
Opinion polls in Taiwan over the years are pretty clear on their attitude about unification, no matter which organization conducted the polls.
In short, it’s not comparable to anschluss.
- PRC and ROC are all part of China. ROC lost the Civil War and control over mainland China to the PRC and then fled to the island of Taiwan to maintain their separate government. UK and Germany never fought a Civil War or part of one nation before;
- Both Germany and UK are globally recognized as separate sovereign nations. PRC are recognized by 190+ nations while ROC is recognized by 14 nations as such;
- Taiwan Strait is wider than the English Channel;
- At the time, UK and Germany were #1 and #2 power in Europe. Right now, PRC is #2 in the world, #1 in Asia while ROC is …. no where close;
Answer #1: China and Germany are unrelated. They’re two completely different countries that evolved along different paths.
Answer #2: China and Germany enjoy a positive economic relationship. German businesses, especially the auto makers, are raking in cash from China’s consumer market.
Germany leads the Economic Union. China just signed a massive investment deal with the EU. This strengthens their economic bond.
Not possible unless someone can conquer China. In Chinese culture, promoting separation is to be cursed by the whole nation, no leader in China would dare to allow such arrangement. Furthermore, Taiwan leader original idea was to fight back to reunify with mainland China but the dream could not b realized because Taiwan was too small compared with mainland China.
It is a country but we have to pretend it is not.
It is the game we play with China to not call it a country.
Cooperation and common action, when interests are shared.
Otherwise: Live and let live.
In reality, Bavaria as Austria’s neighbor and one of Germany’s largest and most independently working states bears the brunt of contacts and exchanges with Austria.
Taiwan is I believe roughly 100 miles from mainland China, whereas the UK was only 25 miles away at it’s nearest point.
However China has a huge Navy( the world’s largest in number of ships) whereas Germany’s surface Navy was pitifully weak. No comparison there.
Friendly on the surface, but secretly tense. The economical relations are very good - China was Germany’s most important trading partner in 2016, but that doesn’t change the fact that China is seen very critically here - for example China’s dumping policy, especially in the steel sector, which is also a dispute with the whole EU. China wants to be officially recognized as market economy, in order to overroll the EU with its cheap steel, which the EU (including Germany) refused.
Besides, many people in Germany are worried that China will buy more and more European and German companies in order t
Friendly on the surface, but secretly tense. The economical relations are very good - China was Germany’s most important trading partner in 2016, but that doesn’t change the fact that China is seen very critically here - for example China’s dumping policy, especially in the steel sector, which is also a dispute with the whole EU. China wants to be officially recognized as market economy, in order to overroll the EU with its cheap steel, which the EU (including Germany) refused.
Besides, many people in Germany are worried that China will buy more and more European and German companies in order to achieve economical dominance. A few months ago, China bought a German hightech-company called Kuka. Kuka refused the offer at first, but China offered more and money until the company couldn’t say “No” anymore. This was an alarming process for many people and politicians.
And, of course, human rights are also a big topic. The opposition parties have urged Angela Merkel and the government many times to adress the bad human rights situation in China more harshly, especially the non-existent press freedom, censorship and imprisonment of oppositional persons.
Angela Merkel has urged her European counterparts to develop a common strategy for dealing with China a few days ago. That underlines the tension.
Theoretically China and Taiwan are still at civil war with one another. Which makes them people of the same country with unresolved claim for political power over the entirety of Republic of China with Taiwan as a province.
In reality China is much larger and stronger than Taiwan which makes it pretty impossible for Taiwanese Government to re-claim Republic of China. Neither does Taiwanese government submit to China’s rule. *(Duly noted: People of Taiwan have been through the age of Colonisation with many having bloodline of Japanese descendants doesn’t want any relationship tie to China.)
For most Germans Taiwan is simply a run-away rebel province of China. They don’t know it’s the only FREE China, but these facts are frequently ignored by the left-leaning media. Unfortunately Taiwan is recognized/supported by only very few countries.
Mainland China has done it, twice, both times were successful.
How many times did the Germans take over the UK?