The Nationalist Party, officially known as the Kuomintang (KMT), is the largest political party in Taiwan. It was originally established in 1912 by Sun Yat-sen, who sought to unify China under a republican system of government. The KMT eventually succeeded in bringing the country together after years of warlordism and civil conflict, and it ruled China until the Chinese Civil War.
During the Chinese Civil War:
The Nationalist Party fought against the Communist Party of China (CPC). However, the KMT was defeated by the CPC and was forced to retreat to the island of Taiwan in 1949. The KMT continued to rule Taiwan under martial law until the 1980s, when it began a process of democratization.
Today:
The Kuomintang is one of the two major political parties in Taiwan, alongside the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The KMT has traditionally supported closer relations with mainland China, while the DPP has advocated for Taiwan's independence. The KMT currently holds a minority of seats in the Legislative Yuan, and its candidate, Ma Ying-jeou, was elected president of Taiwan in 2008 and 2012.
Ideology and Policies:
The Nationalist Party is a right-wing political party that supports Chinese nationalism, social conservatism, and economic liberalism. The KMT has historically been closely associated with the military and business elites in Taiwan.
International Relations:
The KMT has pursued a policy of "one China," recognizing the People's Republic of China as the legitimate government of China. The KMT has also supported closer economic ties with mainland China and has sought to improve relations between the two sides.
Controversies:
The Nationalist Party has been criticized for its authoritarian past, its close ties to big business, and its alleged corruption. The KMT has also been accused of suppressing political dissent and of favoring economic policies that benefit the wealthy at the expense of the poor.