Taiwan Today

The 1980s economic boom in East Asia drew the world’s attention towards Taiwan. India-Taiwan economic relations have been growing and the setting up of economic and cultural centres has promoted people-to-people contacts. Cultural and educational ties between the two nations are also increasing. This book is inspired by a conference titled ‘Taiwan Today’ organized by the Department of East Asian Studies, University of Delhi. The Department of East Asian Studies is one of the few academic centres where all the entities in the East Asian region are studied and researched. This book will be very useful for those interested or engaged in research on East Asia.

Contributed articles presented at a conference titled 'Taiwan Today' organized by the Department of East Asian Studies, University of Delhi in January 2007

Relations between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China have oscillated between outright hostility and wary detente ever since the Archipelago seceded from the Communist mainland over six decades ago. While the mainland has long coveted the island, Taiwan has resisted - aided by the United States which continues to play a decisive role in cross-strait relations today. In this comprehensive analysis, noted China specialist Steven Goldstein shows that although relations between Taiwan and its larger neighbor have softened, underlying tensions remain unresolved. These embers of conflict could burst into flames at any point, engulfing the whole region and potentially dragging the United States into a dangerous confrontation with the PRC Guiding readers expertly through the historical background to the complexities of this fragile peace, Goldstein discusses the shifting economic, political and security terrain, and examines the pivotal role played by the United States in providing weapons and diplomatic support to Taiwan whilst managing a complex relationship with an increasingly powerful China. Drawing on a wealth of newly declassified material, this compelling and insightful book is an invaluable guide to one of the world's riskiest, long-running conflicts.

This comprehensive book explores contemporary Taiwan from the perspective of the Taiwanese themselves. In a unique set of original essays, leading Taiwanese figures consider the country’s history, politics, society, economy, identity, and future prospects. The volume provides a forum for a diversity of local voices, who are rarely heard in the power struggle between China and the United States over Taiwan’s future. Whether it will be absorbed by China, continue in its current limbo as an unrecognized state, or seek outright independence and national sovereignty remains an open question. Reflecting the deep ethnic and political differences that are essential to understanding Taiwan today, this work provides a nuanced introduction to its role in international politics. Contributions by: Andrew C. Chang, Chang Chang-yi David, Pochih Chen, Chen Yi-shen, Chi Guo-chung, Strong C. Chuang, Frank S. T. Hsiao, Jolan Hsieh, Joseph C. C. Kuo, Lee Shiao-feng, Shyu-tu Lee, Lee Teng-hui, Marie Lin, Jay Tsu-yi Loo, Lu Hsiu-lien Annette, Peng Ming-min, George Sung, Michael M. Tsai, Tsay Ting-kuei (Aquia), Tu Kuo-ch’ing, Jack F. Williams, Wong Ming-hsien, Wu Rong-i, Wu Rwei-ren, and C. Eugene Yeh.

" How Taiwan can overcome internal stresses and the threat from China Taiwan was a poster child for the “third wave” of global democratization in the 1980s. It was the first Chinese society to make the transition todemocracy, and it did so gradually and peacefully. But Taiwan today faces a host of internal issues, starting with the aging of society and the resulting intergenerational conflicts over spending priorities. China's long-term threat to incorporate the island on terms similar to those used for Hong Kong exacerbates the island's home-grown problems. Taiwan remains heavily dependent on the United States for its security, but it must use its own resources to cope with Beijing's constant intimidation and pressure. How Taiwan responds to the internal and external challenges it faces—and what the United States and other outside powers do to help—will determine whether it is able to stand its ground against China's ambitions. The book explores the broad range of issues and policy choices Taiwan confronts and offers suggestions both for what Taiwan can do to help itself and what the United States should do to improve Taiwan's chances of success. "