Regaining Taiwan, split in civil war from the mainland in 1949, is a sacred mission. No challengers to the party are allowed. Chinese are the freest they have ever been to choose their own lifestyles and line of work, but public political dissent is harshly suppressed. Most Chinese are politically wary. Elders, veterans of virulent political campaigns past, know to lie low.
Young people are more interested in jobs, clothing and enjoying life.
China's next half century will be theirs. It seems appropriate that it begins on the cusp of a new millennium. This story has been viewed 84 times. The Taipei Times. All rights reserved.