This dissertation deals with the democratization process of the People's Republic of China and Taiwan. It focuses mostly on the issue of democratization of these two countries between 1949 and 1989, compares them with other political and democratic aspects, and questions the democratic future of the PRC through the perspective of the Taiwanese democratic model. “How did Taiwan and its founding party, the KMT, built on the same Leninist foundations as the CCP and its PRC, successfully adapt to the demands of Asia's first successful democracy, and how is it that today's PRC is still consolidating its authoritarian rule and as CCP says, leads “socialist country with Chinese characteristics” and does not at all show any tendency to shift to a democratic state?” The Chinese political system does not allow such independence as the Taiwanese one. China's “democratic” elections are still being held to the district level, even though the ruling party claims that the PRC is a state governed by the rule of law with democratic principles. Taiwan is increasingly developing into a democratic and independent country, where society is increasingly complex and open to the further development of democracy. Equally, more complex and increasingly demanding is Chinese civil society which also upholds democratic principles but puts prosperity first, preferring to sacrifice its freedom of speech, thought, and media. So, what does the future hold, will the PRC follow Taiwan's democratic model, and will Taiwan legally declare its independence?
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