As a result, Taiwan currently operates as its own government but is recognized as either a disputed Chinese territory or an independent country that left the People's Republic, depending on who you ask.
Because of this, the Taiwanese cultural identity cannot be assumed to be shared by everyone on the island. Some consider themselves strictly Chinese, some say they are ethnically Chinese but nationally Taiwanese, and others only claim Taiwanese as their nationality. It can be a touchy subject for many, but it is important to understand the difference of perspectives in order to get a sense of Taiwan's current state of being. As a foreigner, I also recognize my place as a listener in the conversation. Everyone has a reason for identifying with the country or government that they do, and their personal experiences are valid enough for them to draw their own conclusions.
Being a black citizen in America, I find myself drawing parallels between the way I identify in American society and the way the aboriginal cultures identify in Taiwanese societies. As a child of Caribbean immigrants, I also take interest in hearing about the way citizens identify with these two countries that they are both related to in some way. Overall their experiences are unique and much different from my own, but I would like to think that there is value for me as a minority in America to share experiences with those who identify as minorities in other countries.
