Taiwan independence is a misnomer.  Many of its proponent have Japanese connection,  they praise Japan for its colonization of Taiwan even though Taiwanese were exploited badly during Jap rule. Japanese influence is continuing in Taiwan by stake holders who benefited from previous Japanese exploitation.  Massive western propaganda against China to scare off ignorant civilian so that unification will be slowed also play a part in the current stand off.  Luckily, time is on China's side.