Social dimensions of the changing cross-Strait relations in the case of Taishangs

Recently scholars working on the cross-Strait relationship have begun to pay

attention to Taiwanese businesses as a part of social dimensions to influence the

cross-Strait relationship.1 Some have emphasized the importance of sub-

governmental interaction in the pro cess of cross-Strait integration.2 Others assert

that Taiwanese businesses can exert their strength as economic leverage to con-

strain the Chinese government in substantial cross-Strait policy making.3 Though

there are different viewpoints to argue whether Taiwanese businesses can con-

strain the Chinese government’s decision making, the role of Taiwanese busi-

nesses in the cross-Strait relationship, looking especially at their political

attitudes, has gradually attracted scholarly attention.4