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 Ting-jeou (Mj 5t j\\J) 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`s deterrence policy remains effective in that it serves to maintain cross-Strait peace and stability. © National Taiwan University, National Chengchi University Taipei, Taiwan (ROC).