Suggestions on the Readjustment of Beijing`s Taiwan Policy

Abstract

Responsibility for the deterioration of cross-Strait relations does not completely lie with Taipei; Beijing’s Taiwan policy has also played an important role. This article analyzes the basic principles of Beijing’s Taiwan policy and related implementation measures. The author finds that Beijing’s “one China” principle is based on the classical concept of “absolute sovereignty.” Robert Axelrod’s theory of cooperation is then used to assess Beijing’s measures in implementing its Taiwan policy. The analysis shows that Beijing has a biased understanding of Taiwan’s democratization, and its view of Taiwan as a local government has alienated Taiwan’s people. The author therefore concludes that to improve cross-Strait relations, Beijing should first adopt modern concepts of sovereignty in readjusting the meaning of “one China” and then recognize the fact that the Republic of China on Taiwan is a separate political entity. At the same time, Beijing should improve its understanding of Taiwan’s democratization.