ABSTRACT
Entering into the twenty-first century, we, as human beings, inevitably embrace new expectations. To fulfill these expectations, men have to seize the pulse of the new epoch. Taiwan is no exception. As matters stand, with George W. Bush in the White House, fresh expectations have emerged within Taiwan about the triangular relationship between America (USA), the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan). There have also recently been some significant changes, including: a substantial rise of democracy in the Taiwanese society; economic interdependence and competition across the Straits of Taiwan; and the potential extension of the bond between Taiwan, the USA and mainland China from the so-called ‘Three Minor Links’ to the ‘Three Major Links’. Lastly, US attitudes toward China are possibly shifting from a strategy characterized by muddling-through to one that, at least, is clearer and more precise.
