Although similar cultures and economic interests promoted an explosion of economic ties between Taiwan and China since the late 1980s, these ties have not improved their political relationship, let alone brought about the unification that both governments once claimed to seek. Recently Taiwan's Sunflower Movement successfully delayed further expansion of trade with China. Why is Taiwan's policy toward China so inconsistent? Through research and interviews with Taiwanese opinion leaders, author Syaru Shirley Lin paints a vivid picture of one of the most dangerous relationships in the contemporary world, and illustrates the growing backlash against economic liberalization throughout the world.

Conceptual framework -- No haste : the 1996 national development conference -- Active opening, effective management : the 2001 economic development advisory conference -- Active management, effective opening : the 2006 conference on sustaining Taiwan's economic development -- "Prosper again" : the 2008/10 campaign for the ECFA.