Cross-Strait Rapprochement and U.S. Policy on the Taiwan Issue

Abstract

The relationship between China and Taiwan has improved substantially since the election of President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) in 2008. The reduction in cross-Strait tension is welcomed by the United States but the resulting changes also call into question the utility of Washington`s policy of strategic ambiguity. Employing the theory of deterrence. This study analyzes the logic of U.S. Policy on the Taiwan issue and current cross-Strait interaction. It is concluded that both sides of the Taiwan Strait continue to act as conditional revisionists and Washington` deterrence policy remains effective in that it serves to maintain cross-Strait peace and stability.