That was the 80s and everything was different, we didn't have negative interest rates then . As an example, Taiwan had more than a quarter of a million Chinese visitors per day back in 2016 and ever since the new Taiwanese President came in power, they have a fraction of those visitors.
Apart from say maybe Foxconn which other Taiwanese company really shine in the world stage? But in China there are a few well known Taiwanese brands, so it goes to show the target market for Taiwan is at least 75% China (whether they like it or not), not sure how that is even questionable.