Beyond Economics: Political Identity and the Future of Cross-Strait Relations

Abstract

This paper explores the intricate dynamics of cross-Strait relations between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan, focusing on the interplay of political cooperation, national identity, and economic interdependence in the unification process. Through content analysis and Key Word in Context (KWIC) methodologies, it examines political discourse from Taiwan's presidential speeches (1996–2023), China's White Papers (1993, 2000, and 2022), and Chinese Communist Party National Congress Reports (1997–2022). The findings reveal that although economic interdependence stabilizes cross-Strait relations, it cannot resolve the challenges of conflicting identities and limited political cooperation. Taiwan's growing emphasis on autonomy contrasts with China's sovereignty claims and unification strategies, complicated further by US geopolitical influence. The study concludes that without a shared political and identity framework, economic ties alone cannot achieve unification, challenging integration theories such as neofunctionalism. This highlights identity and cooperation as critical obstacles in cross-Strait relations.