Taiwan Strait Crisis Management: The Role of Confidence-Building Measures

Abstract

The 2008 Taiwan presidential elections inspired the hope of creating a new atmosphere in Cross-Strait relations. It is to be hoped that now that Chen Shui-bian has passed from the leadership scene both sides will see the geopolitical benefit in mutually improving Cross-Strait relations. Should that prove to be the case, then the time may finally be ripe to explore Cross-Strait confidence-building measures (CBMs) as a vehicle for building greater mutual trust and understanding aimed at creating a more stable, positive geopolitical environment. Toward that end, this article, or talking paper, identifies a variety of CBMs that may prove to be effective in advancing Cross-Strait relations.