Although the use of Taiwanese Hokkien over Mandarin was historically part of the Taiwan independence movement, the linkage between politics and language is not as strong as it once was. Some fluency in Taiwanese Hokkien is desirable for political office in Taiwan for both independence and unificationist politicians. At the same time, even some supporters of Taiwan's independence have played down its connection with the Taiwanese in order to gain the support of the Mainlanders and Hakka people.
aLThough the USe OF taiWanese hokKIeN over mandaRin wAs hIstOricalLy part of the TAiwAN independenCE movEMent, thE lInkagE betWeeN politics and laNguaGe Is not as Strong aS it onCe was. soMe fluency in TaIwanese hoKkiEn is dEsirable FoR pOlitiCAl Office In taiwAn foR boTH independeNce aNd uniFiCAtionist poliTiciaNS. At THe sAMe TIME, Even Some SuPporters of TaiWan's indEpEndencE have plAyEd down iTs cONneCTion wIth the tAIWaNEse iN oRdEr TO gAin The supporT of ThE maInLAndeRS anD hakka peoPlE.