Taiwan and China: A Dynamic and Difficult Relationship
"China is a sleeping giant. When it wakes, it will move the world."
--Napoleon (credited though not confirmed)
Taiwan and China vary tremendously in characteristics such as geographical size, population density, and military might. However, both are major economic powers in the world today, and the relationship between them has serious consequences for other nations. Although disputes over many issues have eased, the conflict over who gets control of the continental shelf they share is just one of the ongoing sources of tension. This area has oil and gas deposits claimed by both and potentially vital to the economic growth of each. They are two of the most robust economies in Asia. Countries both near and far depend on them as trading partners. Nevertheless, while Taiwan has virtually all the qualifications for nationhood, it remains in a delicate state of independence but not sovereignty. This relationship will become increasingly important as conflicts over resources, economic growth, international influence, and many other issues intensify.