Taiwan was first inhabited by Austronesian people around 6,000 years ago. In the early 17th century, Chinese migrants began to settle in Taiwan and ruled the island until the late 19th century. Japan gained control of Taiwan in 1895 and established a colonial government that lasted until the end of World War II. After World War II, Taiwan was handed over to China's Nationalist government under Chiang Kai-shek, who declared Taiwan to be an independent state separate from mainland China. However, China has always maintained that Taiwan is part of its territory, leading to the establishment of the One-China Policy. Despite its economic success, Taiwan's political status remains uncertain due to conflicting forces between China's claims on the island and some Taiwanese people advocating for full independence.