This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the origins of the Taiwan issue in Sino-American relations and traces the evolution of US reunification policy through the normalization of US-People's Republic of China relations in 1979 and the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act. It discusses the Reagan administration's initial handling of the Taiwan issue from 1981-1983. The book describes how Reagan's presidential campaign statements in support of "official" relations with Taiwan soured Sino-American relations for much of his first term in office. It considers the important issue of China's military threat to Taiwan. The book also discusses the reunification policies of Beijing and Taipei. It reviews Beijing's proposals for peaceful reunification since 1979, as well as its periodic threats to resolve the issue by force if Taipei does not respond favorably.