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A potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait could serve to critically undermine the stability of the region. The People´s Republic of China approximately has 900 to 1,000 missiles on alert within striking distance of Taiwan. Taiwan has continued its military build-up against China's military threat and request US arms sale to Taiwan.

Moreover, the issue of cross-Strait relations has been further complicated by each side's solution for resolving the Taiwan Strait issue - in the case of Beijing, opposing "Taiwan independence" and "reunification of China", meanwhile, there is a difference of opinion among the Taiwanese political factions - between those who advocate cross-Strait reconciliation and those who lean towards independence.

Many of the current Chinese leaders have been prepared to place greater emphasis on social and economic stability rather than inviting instability. Indeed, Chinese leaders' top priority is to continue economic development. At the same time, Taiwan's leader Ma Ying-jeou has recovered relations with China-that were damaged during the presidency of Chen Shui-bian - to promote domestic economic development. Furthermore, with China's rising economic prospects, Taiwan's business leaders are increasingly seeking mainland business and investment opportunities; these closer ties could ease the way to a peaceful resolution.

Nonetheless, since China has always held a policy of no toleration regarding independence for Taiwan, the further reactions of Taiwan's leaders remain the most critical in how this issue will play out or be resolved.
This project seeks to discuss the security situation in the Taiwan Strait through the lens of conflict prevention and management. It aims to focus on the challenges and opportunities facing the two sides with a view to address the following questions:

• What are the present issues that divide both sides?
• What are the present issues that divide different opinions among Taiwanese people?
• From a long term perspective, what are the barriers to the issue of peaceful resolution to the reunification issue?