Taiwan’s Sunflower Movement: Protest That Has the Changed the Republic of China

Taiwan’s Sunflower Movement: Protest That Has the Changed the Republic of China

The Sunflower Student Movement was one of the turning points in the history of Taiwan. This student led movement was also supported by civic groups. It occurred in the months of March and April in the year 2014. In the Legislative Yuan and the Executive Yuan of the Republic of China’s Taiwan were the epicentre of this movement.

The passing of the Cross Strait Service Trade Agreement by the ruling Kuomintang party without a review of the clauses was the ignition point of the Sunflower Student Movement. Taiwan has always opposed political pressure from Beijing. Taiwan’s citizens saw the trade pact with the People’s Republic of china would leave it in the hands of political pressure from China. The Sunflower Student Movement was the first time in the history of the ROC that the legislature was occupied by the citizens.

A recent sub-movement has now branched off from this movement. The question now revolves around Taiwanese independence. Tainan is the venue for this newest movement. It is being seen as a blunt form of the Sunflower Movement. Lin Fei-fan who is one of the leaders of the Sunflower Movement is now upholding the recent movement in Taipei.

The Sunflower Movement in Taiwan was extremely well organized and it had charismatic leaders who gave clear and unified messages. When Occupy Wall Street took off in the US, the central theme was income inequality and the privileges that wealthy traders enjoyed. However, radical sub-messages made the movement fizzle out in the end.

Sunflower Movement succeeded because of its precision and planning. The powerful media of Taiwan also supported the movement and enabled it to obtain public approval against President Ma Ying-jeou. Since the movement shifted base from the Legislative Yuan, the movement has undergone a radical change. Many followers who disagreed with their leaders who have refused to consider the question of Taiwanese independence.

Though the Sunflower Movement now suffers from too many goals. Though the original aim was to counter the trade pact, other causes came to the fore instead. The movement has now taken on a new identity but this is only as a supporting role. When the Alliance of Referendum for Taiwan which is a pro-independence group was evicted from the Legislative Yuan, protestors were enraged.

When activists rallied behind a threatened leopard’s habitat, the Sunflower Movement was soon changing its identity. The anti-nuclear movement also gained momentum from the Sunflower Movement. Decentralized, grassroots activists gained a sense of identity and purpose through the Sunflower Movement.

Any movement which can cut across ethnic identities and demographics has the capacity to succeed. Taiwan’s Sunflower Movement exemplifies how strong activism can achieve quick results. Organizing a movement is very important. Without well organized activism, the message of the movement can get muted.

In a world of changing political and social climate, economic welfare has become a major concern. With new changes in the way industries are functioning, and the advent of technology, activism has also changed now. Activists are becoming aware of how important it is to organize themselves and plan a clear message rather than being ambushed by those with hidden agenda.

Of course, the best solution would be to have leaders who make activism a part of their agenda. Unfortunately, there can be no easy solution for the pressing problems of the world unless leaders take up important causes. Activists can only spread awareness. They cannot change the laws. They can campaign for causes. But the ultimate results lie in the hands of the leaders. This is why any movement no matter how successful can only bring about change on a small level. But well organized movements such as the Sunflower Movement can do much more. They can give voice to the concerns and aspirations of the people.