How do the Taiwanese themselves perceive the world around them? Despite living under constant coercion and the ever-present threat of invasion, most simply strive to carry on with their daily lives.

Surveys offer a window into public sentiment, revealing what it means to be Taiwanese today. While a significant portion of the population supports maintaining the status quo, there’s growing backing for greater recognition of Taiwan’s sovereignty. Most Taiwanese are concerned about the risk of war, they strongly identify as Taiwanese rather than Chinese, and a majority express a willingness to defend their country if necessary. The experience of Hong Kong, where the CCP abandoned earlier promises to respect its unique identity and system of governance, has served as a cautionary lesson, reinforcing the importance of democracy and strengthening the public’s resolve to protect Taiwan’s way of life.

Recent findings paint a picture of a society that values stability and pragmatism in foreign policy, cherishes a distinct national identity, and remains deeply aware of the security challenges it faces.