When I lived there in the ‘70’s, the Taiwanese preferred Japanese rule over the Nationalists (mainlanders). A protest against the Nationalists in Feb 1947 led to a massacre, kind of proving their point, after which the KMT pretty much outlawed any discussion about at the time. According to many Taiwanese I spoke to, they were treated well by the Japanese who made infrastructure and health improvements in Taiwan during their occupation.
Interesting. The nationalists were the bad guys during gunboat diplomacy days before WW2. Afterwards they’re the good guys. I do believe it was under martial law for the longest time under the nationalists. Sounds like the ‘who lost China?’ question is valid.
China wants payback after the rape of Nanking 90 years ago. Taiwan won’t be enough and foreign policy won’t be an issue when it comes to the 2028 elections. Advantage democrats.