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Comment by ivanbakel | Hacker News Reader

Given this is an article about Taiwan, surely the more logical conclusion is that “Chinese” refers to the PRC? Otherwise, as you say, it makes little sense. The rest of the comment is still low quality.

This alternative interpretation doesn’t seem to have much basis either, since the author is apparently native Taiwanese, but perhaps the GP is accusing her of PRC loyalties?

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It isn't just about Taiwan, it's about a pro-CCP party staying in power.

It seemed pretty obvious to me that the comment was about the governments, not the ethnicity.

In a country called The Republic of China where 90% of the people refer to themselves as Chinese in both english and in mandarin. Obviously they don't know what they're talking about and the word "chinese" next to the word "tribe" should only make you think of the government in Beijing.

Someone should tell all the people in the The Republic of China and The People's Republic of China about this logical axiom, then.

Even if that's the original intent, I would still find that confusing, unhelpful, and potentially offensive in a professional environment.

It is common in geopolitical discussions to refer to the nationality when talking about the interests of the country in general and/or the ruling party e.g. "Obama was aligned with the Germans because of XYZ." Also consider that the author is apparently Taiwanese, so their English may not be native.

> The Republic of China and The People's Republic of China

The party in power is also called the Chinese Communist Party, which literally has Chinese in its name (and is referred by the comment).

I understand you had a different interpretation at first, but I invite you to reconsider. It also goes along with HN's guidelines:

> Please respond to the strongest plausible interpretation of what someone says, not a weaker one that's easier to criticize. Assume good faith.

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