Taiwan-China-United States relations : Taiwans unique safe house for better or worse

This paper argues that recognition of Taiwan’s status quo and security resulting from the guarantee of triangular relations with the United States and China should not eliminate the impact of local, societal, and political factors on the respective power positions of the players involved or their embroilment in the U.S.-China-Taiwan triangle. The study explores these factors influencing the identities and interests of players with the advent of political leadership changes. We ask how policies adopted by newly elected politicians toward others in the triangle contribute to Taiwan’s stability in the future.