Taiwan lives under constant threat from China, which vows to “reunify” the island. As I weave my way through tens of thousands of people holding rallies and shouting slogans in the streets around Taiwan's parliament, the Legislative Yuan, there is a scuffle between the politicians inside. Outside, more than 100 000 people are protesting against Beijing friendly forces, in what is known as the Bluebird Movement. For many, democracy defines Taiwanese identity — nearly 70% call themselves exclusively Taiwanese. In 2024, China dropped “peaceful reunification” from official rhetoric.
