Taiwan: A Party Dismissal Bodes Ill for the Kuomintang

A recent power struggle within Taiwan's ruling Kuomintang corresponds with the country's deep-seated political and ethnic disparities. Like the island itself, the party is roughly divided between early generations of Taiwanese residents, who consider themselves natives, and immigrants who came to Taiwan from China in the 1940s, often referred to as "mainlanders." This explains why Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou's recent move against a rival underscores the island's inherent political issues. On Sept. 11, Ma — a mainlander — revoked the party membership of Wang Jin-pyng, the country's powerful indigenous parliamentary speaker.

It is unclear what long-term consequences will come about from Wang's removal. Certainly it will further aggravate tensions within the Kuomintang, but given Wang's popularity and influence, it could also lead to the creation of a viable third party that could threaten the Kuomintang's political dominance. Otherwise, Wang could align himself with the political opposition. Any political realignment will concern Beijing, which considers the Kuomintang's aversion to independence critical for easing cross-strait tensions.