Ok let me try to explain why I think this way in another manner:
The ROC constitution (I’ll use wiki just for my own ease here)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Republic_of_China
“It should also be noted that, because the ROC constitution is, at least nominally, the constitution of all China, the amendments avoided any specific reference to the Taiwan area and instead used the geographically neutral term “Free Area of the Republic of China” to refer to all areas under ROC control. In addition, as the preamble of the amendments stated they are [t]o meet the requisites of the nation prior to national unification, these amendments would automatically be voided in the case of Chinese reunification. As a result, all post-1991 amendments have been maintained as a separate part of the Constitution, consolidated into a single text of twelve articles.”
In some of the amendments that have occurred with further democratization of Taiwan they have gone to a great deal of trouble to ensure that they have retained the 1-china policy including the use of “Free Area of China”. as discussed here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_area_of_the_Republic_of_China
“While the 1991 revisions of the Constitution granted the sovereignty rights to the Taiwanese people, it did not explicitly name Taiwan and instead used the term “free area” to maintain the notion that the Republic of China encompassed more than Taiwan. In ordinary legislation, the term “Taiwan Area” is usually used, especially in contexts of trade and exchange. In contrast to the “free area” is the “mainland area”, which the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area defines as “the territory of the Republic of China outside the Taiwan Area”. However, on more practical grounds, the “mainland area” refers simply to mainland China.”
NOTE That the official act currently in place “Act of Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area” specifically defines it as “the Republic of China outside the Taiwan area”.
All I’m saying is the OFFICIALLY these are the definitions in place and while discussions and referendums have been held - NOTHING has changed in that regard. The ROC is still DEFINED as including the are of the mainland.
In a perfect world they’ll one day be reunified - like Germany ....and hopefully soon Korea. It isn’t going to be soon. Especially if the PRC takes any action against HK.
Yes.
But, this: “the ROC state[s] that it is and that they are the rightful government [of mainland China]”
Still not there.
Chiang Kai-shek said that in the 50’s and even up to the 70’s. Taiwan hasn’t said that in decades now. (Because it’s absurd).
Here’s the thing. If they change the constitution the ChiCons have said they will attack. US diplomatic pressure has been strong for them not to change it as well. Because of ChiCom threats. So they don’t.
It’s called the status quo.
Read about the Period of mobilization for the suppression of Communist rebellion.
It was 1991 when the Temporary mobilization for the suppression of Communist rebellion was ended.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Period_of_mobilization_for_the_suppression_of_Communist_rebellion
That was the end of Taiwan’s claim over the mainland.
Taiwan began applying for UN membership not as China’s representative and without saying the PRC does not represent China or saying PRC should be kicked out.
This is the “Two Chinas” that the communists refuse to accept.
Can’t be any more clear they are not claiming they are the rightful government of China.
The ironic thing is it’s the communists keeping this alive. They want Taiwan to be claiming the mainland.
If the communists weren’t threatening war this would be a non-issue. Only a small fringe element in Taiwan would want to “retake the mainland”.