New Taiwan, New China

the long version

Strategic, geographic, cultural, historical, economic, political and diplomatic forces have combined to propel Taiwan from obscurity to prominence as a world trader and catalyst for change in mainland China. This book argues that the development of Taiwan has resulted from its location at the crossroads between the rivalry and interests of China, Japan and the United States. These three great powers dominate the Asia-Pacific region militarily, economically and culturally and Taiwan's fortunes have been shaped very much by their interaction. Currently, Taiwan is being pulled towards China by economic factors. Ironically this is contributing to China's development as the world's next superpower and this in turn has made Taiwan's separation from the mainland a matter of growing importance to the USA, Japan and other members of the Asia-Pacific community. This book will be a valuable text for students of Asian China, Asian studies and international politics in the Asia-Pacific context.