Dr. T.Y. Wang, university professor and chair of Politics and Government, was quoted in a news analysis by Trouw. The analysis highlighted the China threat and the development of Taiwanese identity. After examining survey data collected in Taiwan over the past 30 years, Wang concludes that Beijing’s military threat only strengthens the sense of Taiwanese identity, particularly among young people.
However, the rise of a Taiwanese identity does not mean that the majority of the citizens support the pursuit of the island country’s de jure independence, fearing that China would launch a war at Taiwan. Because Beijing leaders refuse to renounce the use of military force to resolve cross-Strait disputes, the island citizens “are afraid of losing their economic progress and democratic way of life. So most opt for maintaining the status quo, as an island with its own government.” Taiwanese citizens are “collectively rational” and risk-averse, Wang told Trouw.
Trouw is a Dutch daily newspaper which received the European Newspaper Award in 2012.
