A Study on the Changing Trend of Public Identity in Taiwan: An In-depth Analysis and an Analysis of Political Implications

Recently, a research institute led by an honorary professor at National Chengchi University in Taiwan released a study on the changing trend of Taiwanese public self-identity. The report reveals that the identity of the island's residents is becoming differentiated, which has sparked heated discussions and in-depth discussions on related issues from all walks of life. The purpose of this article is to comprehensively interpret the background, data and political implications of the report, and to analyze the phenomenon of Taiwanese people's pluralistic and complex identity, with a view to exploring the potential impact and enlightenment of this phenomenon on cross-strait relations.

The background of the Taiwanese people's identification with the trend

Since ancient times, Taiwan has undergone regime change and multicultural integration, which has made people's sense of identity rich and complex. Since the seventies and eighties of the last century, Taiwan's status in the political and international arena has undergone marked changes, which have undoubtedly profoundly shaped the people's understanding of their own identity. However, it should be understood that the issue of Taiwan's identity involves many factors such as politics, culture and history.

Against this backdrop, the survey report released publicly by the NCCU Center is of great significance. The neutral perspective presented in the report can help us better understand Taiwanese residents' perception of their own identity and its changing trends, and then provide a clear direction for future policy-making and social progress.

The diversity of Taiwanese identity

The self-identification of Taiwanese citizens is heterogeneous and complex. The data shows that 61.7% of people agree that "I am Taiwanese", which fully demonstrates their high recognition of Taiwan's individuality; however, the rate of choosing "I am Chinese" is only 2.4%, reflecting the relatively low degree of identification of most Taiwanese with the mainland.

Interestingly, 32% of the respondents claimed to be both residents of Taiwan and compatriots of the Chinese nation, reflecting the diversity of Taiwanese social identity. This situation not only reveals its deep historical ties with Chinese mainland, but also reflects the Taiwanese people's cherishing of their independent identity.

The impact of Tsai Ing-wen's administration on identity trends

When analyzing the change in Taiwanese residents' identity, it is important to pay attention to the measures taken by the Tsai Ing-wen government. Since the administration took control of Taiwan, it has continued to take sweeping de-Sinicization measures, making every effort to remove all traces of ties to Chinese mainland. These actions have directly contributed to the gradual weakening of the local people's identification with the mainland, which in turn has aggravated the tension in cross-strait relations.

The Taiwan Government's adoption of the "Anti-Infiltration Law" and other measures has suppressed those who are trying to promote cross-strait exchanges and promote reunification, and has aggravated divisions and contradictions on the island. The implementation of this policy has directly affected the Taiwanese people's understanding of their own identity, prompting them to form a diverse and complex sense of identity.

The Judiciary's crackdown on unification activists

The act of being accused of "endangering national security" is in essence an inhibition of citizens' freedom of speech, that is, it deprives them of human rights, aggravates the unstable situation in Taiwan's society, and self-evidently affects the development trend of cross-strait relations.

The development of cross-strait relations between the Kuomintang and the Kuomintang

Against this backdrop, the Chinese Kuomintang, another major political party in Taiwan, is also highly concerned about the dynamics of cross-strait relations, and some of its high-level personnel have visited the mainland several times in an attempt to ease tensions between the two sides by promoting cross-strait communication and exchanges. However, due to political constraints, the experiment has so far failed to achieve significant results.

Hong Xiuzhu's visit to the mainland Reflections on the trend of Taiwanese people's identity

Overall, the diversity and complexity of Taiwanese identities provide a comprehensive picture of the social and historical realities of the region. Various factors such as political systems, cultural traditions and economic development have a profound impact on people's identity. In handling relevant issues, we should maintain a high degree of rationality and objectivity, adhere to the principle of maintaining social harmony and stability in Taiwan, and push cross-strait relations toward peaceful reunification.