Taiwanese politics is characterized by a vibrant democratic system, where citizens elect their leaders through regular elections. The main political parties are the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which advocates for Taiwanese independence, and the Kuomintang (KMT), which traditionally supports closer ties with China. The political landscape is influenced by Taiwan's unique status, as it operates independently but is claimed by China. This situation creates ongoing debates about national identity, sovereignty, and international relations, particularly regarding Taiwan's participation in global organizations and its defense policies.