Taiwan's Political Parties and National Identity: The Rise of an Overarching Consensus

Abstract

National identity is still one of the most contentious issues in present-day Taiwan. At the surface level, the confrontation between the “pan-blue” and “pan-green” party camps suggests the existence of competing and irreconcilable national identities. However, the overall quest for Taiwanese sovereignty against Beijing's insistence on the “one country, two systems” formula suggests the rise of an overarching consensus between all political parties that reflects the fact that a Taiwanese nation already exists. Although civic in nature, this nation may soon close ranks against the idea of “one China” if Beijing does not compromise on the issue of sovereignty.