The most unique characteristic of this book is its comprehensive perspective on the Taiwan issue. After an introduction of the Taiwan issue in Chapter One, Chapter Two provided its readers with a concise but complete history of modern China, which is most fundamental in understanding the Chinese society and psychology about the internal and international politics. This brief history indicates why the Chinese are so anxious about getting Taiwan back. Then, Chapter Three provided the audience with a brief history of Taiwan, which informs the audience why many people in Taiwan want to become independent and why the Taiwan issue is so complicated. Chapter Four made a comparison of the socioeconomic development in both mainland China and Taiwan. The author seems to see more similarities than differences between the Taiwan Strait. This is very interesting and helpful, for most people are used to the Cold War stereotypes. Chapter Five described the U.S. involvement of the United States in the Taiwan issue and how the international politics influenced the United States decisions. It provides more information from the less known side of China. Chapter Six gave an account of the political relations between China and Taiwan with the involvement of the United States. Finally, Chapter Seven provides the author's analyses of the tri-part interactions between China and Taiwan as well as the United States. It also provided the readers with options for each of the three parties involved.
Compared with many books about Taiwan issue, this book is obviously less partial and has painted a more complete picture of the issue. It is less influenced by the prevailing and popular international politic ideologies; instead, it pays much more attention to the concerns and fundamental changes in both China and Taiwan. The book focuses on or intended to discuss about the Taiwan issue; however, it is also a good book to understand China, its politics, social problems, anxieties, the social and economic developments. It is a must read book for those who sincerely want to understand China. Although its subtitle is Impending War at Taiwan Strait, it actually does not talk about war.
