Also known as formosa, these others are both the seat of the government of the republic of china, commonly referred to as grc, as well as the armed fortress of the military establishment. Taiwan is an island of considerable variety. The eastern half is dominated by a chain of rugged mountains. While to the west lie flat and fertile plains, ideal for the calibration of rice, sugar, and pineapples. The many rural visit villages emphasize the honoring the oriental traditions and culture. Only a few minutes away stand the modern cities of taipei, bustling with movement and signs of 20 century living. 20th century living. During the korean war, it became apparent that the security of taiwan and the offshore islands was vital to the free worlds defense perimeter. Since these islands face a constant threat of the aggression from communism. The United States began the First Advisory Assistance Program, known as mag. Today, taiwan, protected by elaborate systems of fortifications, supports numb