abstract

This paper examines the impact of partisan politics in Taiwan on Taipei's relationship with the United States during the Chen Shui-bian and the Ma Ying-jeou administrations. The policy decision Chen Shui-bian made, such as "One Country on Each Side" or the "national referendum," required to enhance the likelihood of reelection was a critically misjudged one in that it eroded the strategic interest of the United States. The following Ma Ying-jeou administration has faced a conundrum over improving its relations with the United States. Ma reoriented the way in which Taiwan achieves economic growth to focus on improved relations with China. On one hand, he has skillfully improved relations both with China and with the United States; on the other hand, his policies have unintentionally undermined Taiwan’s national security in terms of its military capability.