A survey that came out Thursday shows that 62% of Taiwanese identify as Taiwanese, whereas only 2% consider themselves to be Chinese.
The survey was conducted by Taiwan Think Tank, an organization that is ideologically aligned with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. The survey results are meant to serve as a reference for the Legislature when it starts revising Taiwan’s constitution. The Legislature is set to establish a constitutional revision committee soon.
In addition to asking about respondents’ identity, the survey also asked for views on how Taiwan should refer to itself on the global stage. Due to Chinese pressure, Taiwan is usually designated as“Chinese Taipei” when it participates in international organizations or events such as the Olympics. However, 48% of survey respondents said they support simply using the name “Taiwan” on the global stage.
Respondents were also asked about how they would define Taiwan’s territorial extent. 45% strongly agreed with the definition “where Taiwan’s constitution is effective, which includes Taiwan proper, and the offshore islands of Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu.”
Taiwan Think Tank Doong Sy-chi said the results show that the national identity of the Taiwanese people has gradually grown and coalesced.