To gain control over cross-strait relations, Taiwan must be aware of the advantages it holds over China. Currently, it does not not have economic or military advantages; instead, it has the advantages of universal values and international alliances. These are the only means by which the nation can establish mutual trust with China, and self-confidence is necessary to do this.
After Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) assumed office, Chinese politics took a turn to the left, toward the era of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong (毛澤東). However, in Taiwan, democracy has moved forward in leaps and bounds.