Explaining Taiwan’s Chinese Mainland Policy Change

This book is dedicated to explaining changes in Taiwan’s policy toward the Chinese mainland over the past three decades, when the island underwent democratization. It traces the shifts from the anti-Beijing stance of the Chen Shui-bian era, to the rapprochement under Ma Ying-jeou, and to the renewed resistance against the People’s Republic of China under the current Lai Ching-te administration. Applying the punctuated equilibrium framework, the book demonstrates how long periods of policy stability have been interrupted by sudden and significant shifts. Through theoretical innovation and multi-method analysis, it uncovers why Taipei’s approach to Beijing has repeatedly changed and what these shifts reveal about the dynamics of cross-Strait relations. Situating Taiwan’s policy within the broader context of China-U.S. relations, it highlights the interplay of democratization, party competition, and external pressures. Offering a nuanced perspective from the mainland, the book provides timely insights for students, scholars, policymakers, and journalists.