Kuomintang

The KMT or Kuomintang is a Chinese political party now based in Taiwan.

Founded in 1912 it came to power in 1927, and governed most of China until it was overthrown by the Communists in 1949. It fled to Taiwan, and continued to operate there as the "Republic of China." The KMT regime kept the island under martial law for 38 years, killing up to 30,000 opponents during its dictatorial rule by Chiang Kai-shek and his son.

The KMT lost power in the 2000 elections to the Democratic Progressive party. It has restructured itself, but continues to represent the descendants of the mainland Chinese who arrived in 1949, as opposed to the native islanders who support the Democratic Progressive party. The KMT is committed to "One China" but the Democratic Progressive party seeks independence, a demand that is fiercely opposed by China, even to the point of military threats. The KMT leader Ma Ying-jeouis is currently well ahead in polls for the presidential elections in March 2008.

Bibliography

• Kathrin Hille. "Resurgent KMT must confront its dark past," Financial Times December 6, 2007 online