The Taiwanese identity has become increasingly noteworthy in contemporary times, particularly as it is often placed in distinct opposition to the Mainland Chinese identity. This creation of the "self" in contrast to the "other" is largely politicized, and has become a major cornerstone in the Cross-Strait Dispute over Taiwan's political sovereignty. In my presentation, I will explore the ethnic and political origins of this identity, as well as how it has transformed over time. I will then outline the connection between this identity transformation and the various political, social, and economic interactions between these two sides of the Taiwan Strait. It is the result of an independent research project, combining evidence from academic books and journals, as well as official statistics
