This paper gives a chronological analysis of the dynamic interplay of endog
enous and exogenous forces that have created the complexity of identity pol
itics in contemporary Taiwanese society. It not only elaborates the various
versions of identity emerging in Taiwan's politics, but also illustrates t
he chronological characteristics of identity politics present at each stage
of Taiwan's developmental process since 1949. In conclusion, it comes back
to the question of Taiwan independence, or put it another way, the imperat
ive of the denial of a Chinese identity. Above all, this paper argues that
lying behind all the obsessions for a new Taiwan-centered identity is prima
rily the impulse to fight for a sovereignty that can guarantee an unconstra
ined international space, rather than a nationalist motive to cut off all t
he cultural and racial identifcation with China.