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”.
At this point I think we’ll just have to agree to disagree.
I’m aware of the mobilization being ended - this was in part, if not mainly, to allow for additional democratization to occur. The ROC hasn’t renounced a 1-China policy though it has been discussed and even voted on in different ways.
They didn’t renounced the claim only admitted the reality that they didn’t have control of the mainland in order to allow open discussions to move forward ...not mutually exclusive. In a similar manner the PRC did not require mainland passports for those visiting from Taiwan, also not relinquishing their claim that it is part of the PRC.
I get the status quo argument, and I agree that there has been a shift away from hardline policies as the island has further democratized, but the claims of jurisdiction are technically still in place. The ROC constitution still applies to the mainland per the document.
Appreciate the cordial discussion.