China, Taiwan, and the question of reunification

The international community's primary concern for China and Taiwan is whether reunification is likely to occur in the foreseeable future, and if so, will it be through peaceful means? To address the topic, this research will examine the following research question: To what extent is economic interdependence and shared cultural bonds influencing and contributing to the possible peaceful reunification of Taiwan with mainland China? The research will determine if these factors can override the current political impasse and eventually facilitate the reunification of China and Taiwan through peaceful means. The hypothesis being tested asserts the more economic interdependence increases between Taiwan and Mainland China, the more favorable conditions will be for reunification.; The timeframe for research to be conducted is a 16-year period ranging from 1987, the year in which Taiwan opened trade links with Mainland China, to 2003. By examining several factors from the independent and independent variables, the research confirms the hypothesis that increased economic interaction is strengthening the ties between China-Taiwan and as a result, positive steps for peaceful reunification are beginning to materialize.