India, Feb. 14 -- In the geopolitical tug-of-war between Mainland China and the smaller landmasses around it, Taiwan stands out like no other. This tiny island - some six Taiwans could fit into the large north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh - found its independent voice following the 1949 civil war between the Nationalists led by General Chiang Kai-shek and the Communists led by Mao Zedong.

The Communist win in the civil war saw the establishment of the "People's Republic of China" by Chairman Mao, whereas General Chiang Kai-shek and a large number of his followers retreated to Taiwan, which called itself the "Republic of China", marking the political separation.

This historical context has given Taiwan its identity - an advanced, high-s...