ABSTRACT
For Taiwan, several variables may trigger policy change. First, pressure from interest groups (domestic pressure) seeking change may cause political elites to make adjustments in policy.4 Second, a failure with the prevailing policies could lead to new learning processes, processes which may result either in reconsidering opinions or redefining the context and priority of national interests.5 The former case refers to simple learning,6 while the latter case refers to complex learning.7 In some ways, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait highlights the convergence of Taipei’s short-term objectives and Beijing’s policy to maintain the status quo and Taipei’s concession on political identification (zhengzhidingwei). Nevertheless, Beijing’s continued opposition to Taipei’s participation in international forums as well as Taiwan’s failure to reassure China of the status quo makes peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait tenuous and unpredictable. Based on a review of Cross-Strait relations before 2011, this chapter provides an analysis of the short-term policy goals of China and Taiwan in terms of bilateral relations. Further, the chapter examines the current problems affecting Cross-Strait relations and discusses the underpinnings of China and Taiwan’s policies towards one another. The conclusion section provides policy options for possible change and development in Taiwan’s China policy.
