Introduction

The Republic of China on Taiwan is the final part of Greater China that requires examination as to the type and nature of competition regulation. As we shall see, Taiwan has a well-developed and comprehensive competition law system that has been in place for over twelve years. Therefore, it is possible not only to chart the genesis of competition law but also to assess both the political and economic context within which the law has operated and, crucially, whether a conclusion can be drawn that the law has been effectively implemented. Further, the examination of Taiwan's experience may provide some clues as to the essential prerequisites that are needed for successful competition law adoption, should a judicious analysis of the facts lead us to the conclusion that Taiwanese adoption has been a success. Contrast of the Taiwanese situation with that pertaining in Mainland China and Hong Kong may also reveal some essential features of politico-economic structures that enable the postulation of a satisfactory explanation of the competition policy situation extant there. Analysis of the Taiwanese experience may also help in the creation of a predictive model as to whether competition policy and legal enforcement will be effective in any given jurisdiction that proposes to adopt a competition regime; this theme will be further elaborated in the next chapter.

History and politics

The history of Greater China (Mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) is inextricably intertwined, as is the political impulse, particularly on the part of the Beijing government, to reunite the fractured polity of China. Indeed, Taiwan is regarded by China as a renegade province.