THE IDENTITY DILEMMA OF TAIWANESE SOCIETY

Abstract

The issue of Taiwanese identity occupies a considerable place in assessing the Republic of China (Taiwan)’s ability to preserve its political independence. Despite the marked strengthening of Taiwanese self-identification in recent decades, it is still premature to speak of a consolidated nationwide consensus on national identity. A substantial share of Taiwan’s society continues to hold a mixed identity. At the same time, for a significant part of the population the label “Taiwanese” functions primarily as a political marker of self-identification, while cultural and historical embeddedness in a broader Chinese context may still persist as a component of self-perception. This article explains the dynamics of the formation of Taiwanese citizens’ identity and its current state, the factors that have shaped this process, and the policies pursued by Taiwan’s authorities in this sphere in the context of strained relations with the People’s Republic of China. The research is grounded on extensive sociological survey data provided by the Election Study Center at National Chengchi University from 1992 to 2025, which reflects the shift from a Sinocentric model to a distinct Taiwanese national consciousness. The authors examine key internal and external factors driving this transformation, including the democratization and "Taiwanization" policies under presidents Lee Teng-hui, Chen Shui-bian, Tsai Ing-wen, and Lai Ching-te, as well as the systemic military and diplomatic pressure from the PRC. Particular attention is devoted to regional linguistic-demographic variations (northern mixed areas vs. southern Hoklo-dominant communities), generational changes, and the impact of regional geopolitical crises, such as the 2019 Hong Kong protests and the COVID-19 pandemic, on consolidating civic nationalism.