By definition, non-governmental organizations (NGO) are organizations created and operating independently of the government. The author, Chang, explores the mutual influence between NGOs and the Republic of China government from instrumental, cooperative, and competitive aspects. 

  Prior to 1949, NGO activity under the ROC government can be geographically separated into Mainland China and Taiwan. In Mainland China, many NGOs are relation, profession, or region-based organizations. Identity is a core feature of such groups. Organizations more relevant to our discussion began to emerge in order to request for political rights. After the May Fourth Movement, an explosion of NGOs emerged to give voice in social issues, displaying the power of the people. During this period, NGOs in the Taiwan area also mainly composed of relational and regional organizations. Due to Taiwan’s unique historical and geographical background, guilds called “Jiao” (郊) developed, made up of import and export merchants in Taiwan and Mainland China. However, these guilds were less active under the restrictive Japanese rule. Other organizations such as clan associations formed on the basis of shared religion or familial relations; land development households and traditional stores influenced regional life, social interactions, and economic activities; the Baojia formed under the Japanese rule also changed the ruling structure of regional citizens.

  After the Taiwan’s retrocession, various organizations thrived in the society. However, in 1949, the start of the martial law brought about a different view to the distribution of NGOs. 

  During the martial law period, most NGOs can be assigned to two main categories: extension of traditional clan associations and politically developed organizations that fight for or against the will of the government in request for social advancement. Of clan associations, two more types can be inferred, including traditional NGOs and more recent NGOs. Traditional NGOs included religious, surname, regional associations, or work associations and co-ops. Many of these associations, especially surname and religious associations, were either highly encouraged or closely monitored by political parties and the government as a means to influence public opinion. Regional associations also formed tight bonds between immigrants from the same origins. Co-ops and work associations, apart from assisting the government in carrying out economic development policies, also played an important role in establishing banking systems and understanding in the society. More recent NGOs include environment-aware organizations and labor unions. The former come for various causes, and saw significant growth after the martial law period ended. Labor unions under the martial law were often closely tied to and suppressed by the government. Their purpose was to raise awareness to labor welfare and work environment, and were often the triggers of social movements. Because of their social influence, labor unions often became the target of political manipulation, thus struggling to keep balance between worker rights and governmental ideals.

  Development of existing NGOs, the rise of the social faction, and the rise of non-profit organizations (NPO) characterized the end of the martial law. Traditional clan associations gradually shifted their focus from local to public governance. The rise of social factions can be seen from the blossoming of social movements against industrialism, fighting for environmental causes, and protecting labor and minority rights. The term “The Third Sector” sets non-governmental and non-profit organizations aside from the government and industries (the first and second sectors respectively). Since the 1980s, the third sector organizations have been requesting liberal and democratic values from the first sector government, and welfare and equality from second sector industries. Non-profit organizations of the ROC are not only lively in social requests, but also play a prominent role in times of social crisis, such as demonstrated in the 921 earthquake. Taiwan’s citizens and NGOs also strive for global recognition by actively participating in various International Non-governmental Organizations (INGO). Former President Chen reemphasized the importance of NGOs during his inauguration speech in 2001. 

  In conclusion, Chang believes that the development of NGOs throughout the hundred years of ROC’s history has demonstrated Taiwan’s social power. The rise of the third sector is also a representative of a democratic society, standing in complement to the imperfections of the government by combining support with social opposition. Chang believes that NGOs in Taiwan should further strive to develop a stronger public spirit and social role within the democratic society to bring the benefits of NGOs to the fullest.