ISR vol.14 no.1

                                                               Engaging with the Enemy:

China-Taiwan Economic and Strategic Relations

After 2008 and Beyond

Barthélémy Courmont^*

The improvement of the China-Taiwan relationship since
2008 reshapes not only the economic ties between Taipei
and Beijing but also the security dialogue over the Taiwan
Strait. A new economic framework agreement (ECFA),
multiple exchanges and high level meetings have characterized
the re-engagement between two traditional
enemies. In parallel, the development of a “Taiwanese”
nationalism, that is slowly replacing the traditional “Chinese”
nationalism that deeply changes the nature of the
relation, as well as its finality, has been observed. This
article explores the current Cross-Strait relation-ship.
Instead of focusing on the possibility of a reunification,
it suggests that deepening economic and cultural cooperation
might boost confidence that will implement possible
peace agreement in a longer term.