The effect of leadership changes in Taipei and Beijing on the cross straits relationship
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Authors
Donovan, Joseph R., Jr.
Subjects
Asia
China
Taiwan
People's Republic of China
Beijing, Taipei
Cross Straits Relationship
Leadership Change
China
Taiwan
People's Republic of China
Beijing, Taipei
Cross Straits Relationship
Leadership Change
Advisors
Buss, Claude A.
Date of Issue
1993-09
Date
September 1993
Publisher
Monterey, California : Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
It is unlikely that the fast growing relationship between Taiwan and the China mainland will lead to political re-unification. The operational codes of new leaders in Taipei and Beijing will be shaped by the distinct forces at work on both sides of the straits and by the dynamic of the contacts themselves. Taiwan leaders will be selected by an increasingly pluralistic system but one which remains biased heavily in favor of the ruling KMT. A new generation of Taiwanese KMT leaders will pursue policies that contribute first to the island's security and prosperity and only secondly benefit any notion of a greater China. Power in Beijing is shifting to a generation that is the product of the Chinese Communist system. Beijing leadership contenders' pressing need to: consolidate factional networks in the absence of an institutionalized succession process; strengthen the legitimacy of the Communist Party; and re-integrate Hong Kong into China suggest that they may place low priority on re-unification with Taiwan. Despite the absence of a compelling interest in political re- unification, the increasing scope and complexity of cross straits ties constitutes a dynamic that will stimulate greater cooperation between Taiwan and the mainland.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
ix, 101 p. ;|c28 cm.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.