In Taiwan, Anger at China Over Virus Drives Identity Debate

In Taiwan, Anger at China Over Virus Drives Identity Debate
Honor guards perform Taiwan national flag lowering ceremony at Liberty Square, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Taipei, Taiwan, on April 1, 2020. Ann Wang/Reuters
Reuters
Updated:

TAIPEI—Anger at being confused with China amid the coronavirus outbreak and Beijing’s stepped-up efforts to assert sovereignty is stirring heated debate in Taiwan about how to further distance itself from its giant and often threatening neighbor.

At its core is a debate about whether to drop “China” from the island’s official name, the Republic of China.