Why The Big Deal About Taiwan?
Why is Red China so worried about Taiwan becoming and independent nation? Is it because if that happens then the rest of China might secede? Would the Tibetans and people of Inner Mongolia and other areas of China try to secede?
I know China has a very diverse population. People in Tibet have their own language and culture. People in western China do too. China is not 100% Han Chinese and never was.
So, is China another Soviet Union collection of independent area that wish to be independent again?
The last time Taiwan was an independent nation was in 1895; see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Formosa
Before that, the Chinese claimed the island, but never actually "conquered it"; they only colonized it.
In late-1895, the Japanese took over the island and spread their influence over it.
Then, in 1945 the Allies (with 100% of the military effort here expended by the USA) took it away from the Japanese at the end WW2.
At that time, the Chinese (KMT) were brought back here under orders and transportation from the USA, and they finally conquered the island through a rapid migration/evacuation away from the self-centered communists, followed by 40 years of martial law, a.k.a. military enforcement of political objectives, and suppression of the local population, including re-education in a language (Mandarin) and culture (Chinese) that was unfamiliar to much of the population.
It wasn't until 1994 that Taiwan became a democracy willing to accept the voice of the people living here. Thank you, President Lee Teng-hui! (And, a "thank you" to any KMT loyalists that have changed their hearts to accept being Taiwanese not still Chinese.)
The Han-dominated, one-party, oppressive PRC has NEVER had charge of this island, and (if it comes down to it) I'll die before they do!
See Sailor's answer for another good synopsis.
Yes. The PRC is a bit like the old Soviet Union, various ethnic groups forced to "unite" under a common flag by the military/police enforcement of a central government.