Despite the fact that the pro-independence “Green” camp has outnumbered the pro-unification “Blue” camp in Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen is clearly aware that there are more pressing challenges than justifying the legitimacy of Taiwan’s independence. While pro-independence “fundamentalists” are eagerly flexing their muscles, it is unquestionable that Taiwan does not have the conditions necessary for independence. With Tsai being a rational, pragmatic and predictable political opponent, the Mainland side is advised to facilitate closer cross-Strait economic and trading ties that help improve Taiwan’s economy. Meanwhile, Beijing should reflect on the historical status of the “Republic of China” (ROC) and the principle of “one China with two different interpretations,” showing more respect for the sense of emotional identity with the ROC felt by 23 million Taiwanese people when it comes to the “internal affairs of the country”. Whether the Democratic Progressive Party makes moves for independence under the name of the ROC or not, the Mainland side can always use the legitimacy of the ROC, established in 1912, to rein in Tsai by creating a “resonance” with her claim of “maintaining the constitutional regime of the ROC” as the most telling sign that both Taiwan and the Mainland are part of the same China.
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