Abstract
This article discusses the effects of various political developments on the independence movement in Taiwan. Although the independence movement enjoyed a high profile internationally, it never won widespread domestic support. With electoral defeats of president Chen Shui-bian and his Democratic Progressive Party, and advocates of mainland cooperation gaining popularity, the independence movement has been effectively ended in Taiwan. The U.S. has long considered Taiwan’s moves toward independence a threat to U.S. security because they could lead to a war with China. The peaceful transformation of relations between China and Taiwan will help stabilize eastern Asia and reduce the likelihood of conflict between China and the U.S.
