I have never thought that I will conflict with others for the sake of different views on politics. I’ve never been keen on politics in my life, but my trip to Taiwan recently shows an unknown side of me, which shocks me a lot.
Invited by a non-government organization in Taiwan, I ,along with the other 19 Chinese who study or work overseas got together for a 9-day workshop in Taipei, focusing on an overall examinations of politics, economy and folk customs in Taiwan. During the 9 days, we visited a number of places and interviewed a lot of people, from its government agencies to folk organizations, acquiring a fresh look at Taiwan. Just as we had expected, Taiwan is a piece of fantastic and amazing land. Taiwanese are hospitable and friendly. We speak the same language and share the same culture roots. I had a strong sense of going back home in Taiwan, which was quite different while staying in Singapore. In the eyes of mainlanders in China, Taiwan is a treasure island all the time and is a part of China without any doubt. I have taken it for granted since my childhood. But some people don’t think so. Some independence-minded Taiwanese hold that Taiwan should be a nation although it is not recognized in international society. I argued against them and tried to persuade them into accepting the concept of One China, but in vain. I can understand it for they have been brought up with the belief and it is not so easy to abandon it. What I couldn’t tolerate was that some people in our workshop who had been raised in Mainland held a very vague attitude on this issue. It was a matter of sovereignty. I thought no vagueness was allowed. I love Taiwan. It is Taiwanese freedom to implement democratic politics to develop the area, but I extremely love my motherland---China. As a unity, China and Taiwan are inseparable. Hence, I quarreled with the persons in our workshop at first, even with sharp words. Unfortunately I couldn’t change these people’s minds for they don’t take China so dear to them. As protests against them, I ceased to greet and talk to them every day although we always stayed together within the 9 days. .
Recalling the conflicts encountered in Taiwan, I’m surprised to find out my other side. Name it as patriotism or nationalism, and unluckily I possess it.
