A second-generation daughter of a Chinese spouse in Taiwan grew up leaning away from Beijing, not toward it — a sign that family origin does not decide political loyalty.

• Her grandmother was a Red Guard during the Cultural Revolution, raiding homes and beating people, and hearing those stories early made China's past feel real to her.
• Before family trips to China, her mother warned everyone not to say the wrong thing, especially around police and soldiers — a rule that does not exist in Taiwan.
• That contrast pushed her to dig into Communist Party history on her own, and her political views hardened as she learned more.
• During COVID, relatives in China called with false scare stories about Taiwan locking healthy people in with the sick, showing how the same family can end up with opposite versions of reality.
• Her mother, who lived in China for over 20 years before marrying into Taiwan, backs whichever politician will protect Taiwan's current system rather than voting on party or "we're all Chinese" lines.

Outlook: The common assumption that Chinese-spouse households lean pro-Beijing looks shakier, with family memory and schooling in Taiwan often pulling the next generation the other way.