Taiwan and East Asia

Abstract

For the first time in its history, the Republic of China on Taiwan is making a concerted effort to integrate itself with the rest of East Asia. It is doing so for several reasons: to expand economic opportunities, to increase its international visibility and prestige, to create alternatives to economic dependence on mainland China and to secure foreign support in its future dialogue with Beijing. Taiwan’s overtures to the region have the support of both the ruling party and the principal opposition party on the island, although a minority view them as an unnecessary digression from improving relations with Beijing.