Introduction: Taiwanese engagement with the indo-pacific

Abstract

The Taiwanese debate on Cross-Strait relations is an epistemic cornucopia with an understandable concern, for neat theoretical constructs that would satisfy all pre-requisites and conditions motivating Cross-Strait interactions. The current KMT administration lead by Ma Ying-jeou in its second term has managed to transform the rules of the game regarding Cross-Strait Relations forever. China`s policy on Taiwan emerges from an understanding that it needs to take into account the international environment. For decision makers in Beijing the whole range of behavior towards Taiwan involves engaging, inducing, stalling and threatening an island that is more than just a geographical obsession for territory. Taiwan and the policy Beijing adopts towards resolving historical grievances is the fruition of political, economic and strategic interests. The compass could not be more alive with more frames of reference.