ABSTRACT
This chapter shows the shift and analyzes how the shift may influence the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in cross-strait relations. Understanding the history of cross-strait relations, the conflict between Mainland China and Taiwan, the identity of people living in Taiwan and the debate about the historical background and evolution of civil society on the island, its social, cultural and religious contexts, the public reputation of CSOs, their position in the political system, and their relations with political and corporate elites, will together open the door for a more accurate analysis of the roles of Taiwan's CSOs in cross-strait relations. A challenge for Taiwanese CSOs (TCSOs) today is their sheer number. In Taiwan, the basic framework is the Republic of China (ROC) Constitution and the "Regulations on the relation of people between Taiwan and mainland China"; these documents stipulate that Taiwan and Mainland are both regions of the ROC.
