Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen (left) and Vice President William Lai attend a ceremony to mark the island's National Day in front of the Presidential Office in Taipei on Oct. 10, 2022.
Editor's Note: This assessment is an update to part two in a series that explores China-Taiwan relations through the lens of Taiwan's economy , politics, military affairs and regional relations. Since the original piece was published in September 2021, much has changed in Taiwanese politics that warrants a reexamination. Taiwanese politics hinges on issues of sovereignty and economic growth, with an increasingly centrist society constraining the improvement of relations with both the United States and China. Meanwhile, Beijing will continue to wield coercive policies no matter which party governs Taipei. At the heart of Taiwanese politics are two parties looking to redefine themselves in light of a changing society.
