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a consensus among all major parties on stressing Taiwanese identity and love for Taiwan” (2005: 142). Democracy is the second theme that stands out, accounting for around one-fifth of all ideological claims in both media. This reflects the continuing salience of pro-democracy themes, even though the issue of democratic reform has declined in salience. Taiwan specialists have argued that democratic values are often used as a rhetorical or instrumental device, rather than indicating a commitment to the same values (Kao 2004; Mattlin 2004a). The internal dimension of national identity (including expressions of Taiwanese identity and ethnic harmony) is generally more prominent than the external
Democratic Progressive Party gathering in front of their campaign headquarters to express their support for Chen Shui-bian in Taipei, 2004. (Source: Government Information Office)
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