Kuomintang

The Kuomintang (KMT), also known as the Nationalist Party of China, is a major political party in Taiwan. Its origins trace back to the revolutionary movement against the Qing Dynasty in mainland China, led by Sun Yat-sen in the early 20th century. The KMT played a central role in the establishment of the Republic of China (ROC) in 1912 and governed mainland China until 1949, when it was defeated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the Chinese Civil War. Following this defeat, the KMT retreated to Taiwan, where it continued to claim sovereignty over all of China, considering itself the…   legitimate government of the entire country.

The KMT's values and ideology are rooted in the Three Principles of the People, which were proposed by Sun Yat-sen. These principles are nationalism, democracy, and the livelihood of the people. Nationalism, in the KMT's context, originally referred to the unification and independence of China free from foreign domination. Democracy, as envisioned by the KMT, involves the gradual introduction of political participation and rights for the people, moving from military rule to constitutional government. The principle concerning the livelihood of the people emphasizes economic development, equitable distribution of wealth, and social welfare to ensure the basic needs of the population are met.

Over the years, the KMT's policies and values have evolved, especially in the context of Taiwan's democratization and its own role within Taiwanese society. While it has historically advocated for the reunification of China under the ROC, its stance has softened to accommodate a more pragmatic approach to cross-strait relations, focusing on economic ties and maintaining the status quo with the People's Republic of China (PRC). The KMT is generally seen as more conservative compared to its main rival, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), particularly in its approach to cross-strait relations, economic policies, and social issues.

The KMT values economic development and stability, and it has traditionally been supported by business interests and those in Taiwan who identify more strongly with Chinese culture and heritage. It advocates for closer economic ties with mainland China and is cautious about moves towards formal independence for Taiwan, fearing such steps could lead to conflict with the PRC. Despite the complexities of its historical legacy and the challenges of contemporary politics, the KMT remains a significant force in Taiwanese politics, advocating for its vision of a prosperous, stable, and harmonious society based on the principles laid down by its founding fathers.