Many Taiwanese have been in favor
of independence, while many Chinese, including the Chinese government
have been against it
Taiwan drove a long-lived and serious movement for independence,
which recently has slowed down. According to opinion polls,
between 70 to 80 percent of Taiwanese people support the "status
quo" which leaves Taiwan's status exactly the same as it
is now.
Also, Since the late 1990's, supporters of Taiwan independence
have argued that since Taiwan, as the Republic of China, is
already independent from the mainland, no formal declaration
is neccessary.
Disgruntled voters gave the thumbs-down to President Chen
Shui-bian’s vision of an independent Taiwan , propelling
the opposition Nationalist Party to a landslide victory in
legislative elections.
 Recently,
China warned that Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian will
"pay a dear price" if he continues with pro-independence
plans in March of 2008.
President Chen Shui-bian's plans include Taiwan joining the
United Nations under that name instead of using its formal
name of the Republic of China.
Currently, it can be seen that the political figures are
leading the drive for independence, while the citizens do
not seem as concerned about the issue. In the 1940's-1970's
perhaps, the Taiwan residents were much more vocal about their
desire for independence.
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