Taiwanese DNA versus Chinese DNA: Genetic science and identity politics across the Taiwan Straits

Abstract The article analyses how population genetics has impacted on nationalist discourses across the Taiwan Straits and affected relationship between China since 1990s. In this cutting-edge science helped to construct a native-based Taiwan-centred national identity through promoting indigenous peoples’ rights, rejecting blood-based, cross-Straits nationalism, founding pan-Pacific community genetic links cultural affinity. China, after subverting myth of Peking Man (a Homo erectus group believed be common ancestor Chinese) by analysing data, same Chinese scientists have constructed another genetically homogenous nationhood. Such discourse not only valorizes nationalism claiming DNA-based Chineseness ethnic distinctions but also asserts Taiwan, therefore providing ‘scientific’ basis for China’s in new century.