Since WWII, both sides of the conflict believed that Taiwan was part of China. Perhaps half the population of Taiwan believes that Taiwan ought to remain part of China, but without formal reunification until such time that the mainland becomes more supportive of political and economic freedom. What Chen and the DPP want to do is to rip apart that understanding. It's a recipe for needless war. Hope this helps.
Its may be,but we need to knock the chicoms down a peg or two they are getting way to belligerent with demands.They have no power over the US. The US doesnt do demands and we crush anyone that has made them on us in the past.
And for reasons of their own, the powers in Beijing were willing to put up with the existence of what to them was a 'breakaway province', as long as Taiwan refrained from attempting to formally declare its independance. Beijing figured time was on its side; why fight an expensive war whose outcome could not be guaranteed? Sooner or later, the time would be right for them to reclaim their own with little risk.
That's the significance here; Beijing cannot stand idle when a part of China declares itself free of Beijing control, forever ... what part of mainland China might next declare?