The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is a political party in Taiwan founded in 1986. It emerged as a response to the authoritarian rule of the Kuomintang (KMT) and has since advocated for democracy, human rights, and social justice. The DPP supports Taiwan's identity and sovereignty, promoting the idea of a distinct Taiwanese nation. The party gained significant prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, winning the presidency in 2000 with Chen Shui-bian as its candidate. Since then, the DPP has played a crucial role in shaping Taiwan's political landscape, focusing on progressive policies and maintaining a cautious stance towards relations with China.