Taiwan’s controversial political status causes problems both within China and internationally. Taiwan functions as an independent state, but by law is a province of China. If Taiwan declared independence, it could result in a hostile military response from China. Even without such a declaration, China’s expanding ambitions cast a long shadow over this beautiful island. Pray for wisdom for the leaders involved, and for good relations for the long term. Taiwan remains a stronghold of Buddhism and Taiwanese folk religion. Over 90% of Taiwanese follow some combination of Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and traditional religions. Buddhism now grows strongly among educated professionals. Most traditional folk religions have many gods, and people pay offerings to ghosts or seek advice from the spirit world. Taiwan remains the only major Han Chinese population in the world without a significant spiritual breakthrough. Visitors from mainland China often comment on the spiritual darkness here.