History of Taiwan

Originally, Taiwan was populated by a dozen plus aboriginal tribes that were not really related to the
eastern cultures of the area.  After thousands of years of independent living, the seventeenth century saw colonization first by the Dutch and then by the Portuguese.  During Portuguese rule the island was known as Ilha Formosa (beautiful island).  Successful European trade brought Chinese immigrants to the island and eventually Taiwan was integrated into China as a province.  When the Japanese defeated the Qing dynasty in 1895,  Taiwan was a casualty and remained under Japan until after World War II (1945).  This period left a very strong influence on the island that is still visible today.
When the Nationalist government of China was defeated by the Communists in 1949, the Nationalists, their army, and thousands of supporters fled from mainland China to Taiwan.  The People's Republic of China claims Taiwan as a renegade province and still tries to exert certain power over the island. 

The history that I have provided here is a lot more complicated in cultural, political, and biological differences in the people.  Through all the changes, Taiwan has emerged as a leader in consumer electronics and has one of the world's richest and most modern economies.