Over the past year, the Taiwan Strait and cross-Strait relations in general have been fairly quiet. Regular flights have resumed between the mainland and Taiwan, and with the signing of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, steps have been taken to promote better economic integration. As 2012 approaches, both Taiwan and the United States face presidential elections, and China will hold the 18th National Party Congress, where President Hu Jintao will step down from his position as general secretary. In the face of possible leadership and policy changes, many questions exist about the future state of U.S.-Taiwan-China relations.
Following on the success of last year's conference "Cross Strait Relations in a New Era of Negotiation," the Carnegie Endowment, in conjunction with Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council and National Chengchi University, hosted a two-day conference "Facing the Challenges of Cross-Strait Relations in 2012." The conference featured panels and paper presentations from some of the leading Taiwanese, American, and Chinese thinkers on cross-Strait relations, as well as an opening keynote from LAI Shin-yuan, minister of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council.
