By Khedroob Thondup

Taiwan is already an independent country in practice—democratic, self‑governing, and globally integrated. The question is not whether Taiwan wants independence, but why it will never willingly surrender it to Beijing. The answer lies in Tibet’s tragic example: once promised autonomy, Tibet instead became a cautionary tale of repression, assimilation, and broken promises under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Taiwan’s Democratic Identity. Taiwan’s independence is not a legal abstraction; it is lived reality. Democracy: Free elections, vibrant civil society, and a robust press distinguish Taiwan from authoritarian China. Global economy: Taiwan is a hub of technology and trade, especially in semiconductors, making it indispensable to global supply chains. National identity: Generations born after martial law see themselves as Taiwanese, not Chinese. This identity is reinforced by lan...