Frequently Asked Questions: Taiwan Policy Database
FAQs about Taiwan Policy Database: Taiwan Policy from World War II to Present from the Perspective of Taiwan, China, and the United States.
What is the methodology of the website?
The website utilizes a combination of primary source documents in English and Mandarin, as well as authoritative secondary sources and academic writings. Primary sources include government documents, official correspondence, white papers, and legislation.
How are the categories defined?
The definitions and scope of the categories are listed below:
- Bilateral Agreements: This category includes agreements between two sides in the diplomatic, political, economic and military arena. Examples include:
- PRC-ROC
- Before 1949, KMT-CCP agreements
- After 1992 ARATS-SEF agreements
- ROC-USA
- From 1949-1979, official agreements related to major economic, political, and military cooperation. After 1979, unofficial agreements between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States.
- PRC-USA
- Three Joint Communiqués
- PRC-ROC
- Historical Events: This category includes major geopolitical events related to or with an impact on Taiwan. Examples include:
- Major wars in Asia
- Domestic movements
- Changes in United Nations representation
- Establishment of key Taiwan-related agencies
- Policy Documents: This category includes unilateral pronouncements and laws on Taiwan-related matters. Examples include:
- PRC
- Policy proposals made by key leaders
- White papers/Letters to Taiwan
- Constitutional amendments and laws such as the Anti-Secession Law
- Major policies on cross-strait economic exchanges and travel
- ROC
- Constitutional amendments
- Major policies on cross-strait economic exchanges and travels
- Key KMT and DPP cross-strait policies
- National-level mainland-related laws
- USA
- Major congressional bills on Taiwan
- Executive policy papers and memos on China/Taiwan
- PRC
- Exchanges: This category includes official and unofficial meetings and visits between two sides. Examples include:
- Current/former national leaders (presidents and vice presidents)
- US congressional leadership and officers (e.g. committee chairmen, speaker of the house)
- Minister-level officials (including MAC and TAO directors)
- ARATS and SEF chairmen
- Military Tension: This category includes instances of major military exercises, maneuvers or stand-offs between two sides. Examples include:
- Four Taiwan Strait Crises
- Arms Sales: This category includes any sale of arms or military equipment and support from the United States to Taiwan. Examples include:
- All arms sales since 1990; deals approved on the same day are combined into one event entry
- Leadership Statements: This category includes speeches, addresses or media engagements among heads of state or senior government officials on Taiwan matters. Examples include:
- Presidential speeches/interviews on Taiwan/cross-strait policy.
- Inauguration addresses by ROC presidents
- Addresses by PRC presidents at Party Congresses
How did you arrive at World War II as the start date of the timeline?
We believe World War II represents the most useful starting point for the timeline, which occurs at the end of the Chinese civil war and the founding of the PRC. We believe this period is where the modern story of cross-Strait ties lies.
What are the sources of documents?
Our sources primarily include government websites from the United States, China, and Taiwan. When official websites were unavailable, we relied on government-affiliated news websites and organizations, academic research institutes, think tanks, and other credible sources to obtain original records and translations. This diverse range of sources ensures the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information presented on our website, providing a balanced perspective on cross-Strait relations. In a few cases, original U.S. government non-papers and correspondence on Taiwan-related issues were provided by retired U.S. government officials.
Examples include:
- Academia Historica (Taiwan) https://www.drnh.gov.tw/
- American Institute in Taiwan https://www.ait.org.tw/
- China Daily https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/
- Congressional Research Service Reports https://crsreports.congress.gov/
- CPC News http://cpc.people.com.cn/
- Law & Regulations Database of The Republic of China (Taiwan) https://law.moj.gov.tw/Index.aspx
- Mainland Affairs Council, Republic of China (Taiwan) https://www.mac.gov.tw/en/Default.aspx
- Marxists Internet Archive https://www.marxists.org/
- Office of the Historian https://history.state.gov/
- Office of the President, Republic of China (Taiwan) https://www.president.gov.tw/Default.aspx
- Republic of China (Taiwan) Treaty and Agreement Database https://no06.mofa.gov.tw/mofatreatys/IndexE.aspxT
- The Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China www.gov.cn
- Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council http://www.gwytb.gov.cn/
- Taiwan.cn (中国台湾网 zhong guo tai wan wang) http://taiwan.cn/
Was the website peer-reviewed?
Yes, the website underwent a thorough peer review process. To ensure accuracy, objectivity, and balance, six academics from China, Taiwan, and the United States conducted a comprehensive review of the substantive and visual components of the website. These experts were invited to provide feedback on several key aspects. They evaluated the narratives, events, event summaries, and visual elements to ensure factual and historical accuracy and completeness. The constructive feedback from these experts was instrumental in refining the content, ensuring that the website offers a balanced perspective on cross-Strait relations and serves as a reliable resource for academics, journalists, policymakers, and the general public.