The survey released on March 14th shows that 73% of those polled identity as Taiwanese. That’s a sharp increase from 44% two decades ago. Taiwanese identity is particularly strong among those aged between 20 and 29… an overwhelming 85% of people in that age bracket refer to themselves as Taiwanese.
By contrast, just 11% of those surveyed identify as Chinese. That’s a record low as compared with 20% in 2006 and 31% in 1996. The survey also found that 10% of those polled consider themselves both Taiwanese and Chinese, while only 1% said that Taiwanese are Chinese.
When it comes to cross-strait ties, 46% prefer maintaining the status quo, which has been a mainstream opinion for years. However, it seems that Taiwan independence has also gathered strength as those who would like to see an immediate and gradual Taiwan independence both increased by eight percentage points to 19% and 17% respectively.
The survey also asked a multiple choice question about the price the public is willing to pay for Taiwan independence. 43% chose a sharp decrease in tourist arrivals from China, 21% said they would not mind losing more diplomatic allies and 16% said they were okay with an economic blockade in exchange for independence. It’s interesting to see that 20% said they are willing to fight in a war, although 23% said that none of those were worth it.
Former Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Vice Chairman Chiu Chin-yi said while former President Lee Teng-hui played a crucial role in shaping the public’s identification with Taiwan over the years, President Ma Ying-jeou’s policy of “no unification” had removed Taiwan’s unification with China as an option.