Taiwanese Consciousness and The Referendum Law

Abstract

China’s threat to use force if Taiwan takes any political steps toward independence has prompted those supporting Taiwan’s independence to emphasize psychological steps instead. Taiwanization is a way to make progress toward the goal of international recognition without taking any direct steps that might incite China to take action against Taiwan. Long before they rose to power, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leaders understood what could be accomplished with such a strategy; they also realized there was still a need to tread carefully as the international community did not support Taiwan’s independence. For example, in 1998, U.S. President Bill Clinton affirmed Beijing’s “three no’s” policy: no support for Taiwan’s independence, no dual recognition, and no support for Taiwan to join international organizations as a country. With this attitude in the international community, a statement of independence by Taiwan could only bring disaster. Given China’s threat to use military force, U.S. support would be absolutely essential for Taiwan to make such an announcement.

The wood has already been made into a boat.

Mandarin proverb