I think that there is a relatively small number of people who are pushing for independence in Taiwan.

In this quote, Fred Thompson expresses the belief that the movement for independence in Taiwan is driven by a relatively small number of people. Thompson suggests that the push for Taiwan's sovereignty and separation from China is not as widespread or supported by the majority of the population as some might think. This implies that the issue of Taiwanese independence may be more of a political minority issue rather than a broad-based national movement.

The origin of this statement likely comes from Thompson’s perspective as a U.S. politician and former senator, where he often commented on international issues, particularly U.S. foreign policy regarding China and Taiwan. At the time, tensions between China and Taiwan were high, with China claiming Taiwan as part of its territory. Thompson’s words could be interpreted as a reflection of his belief that the issue of independence was not as significant to the general public in Taiwan, despite the political debate it sparked on the global stage.

Thompson’s comment could also reflect his position on how the United States and other international powers should engage with Taiwan. If the movement for Taiwanese independence is seen as a minority stance, it might influence how the international community views the situation, particularly in terms of supporting Taiwan's push for independence or advocating for a peaceful resolution to tensions with China.

Ultimately, the quote points to the complexity of the issue of Taiwan's independence and highlights the debate over the extent to which the people of Taiwan support breaking away from China. Thompson’s statement suggests that the desire for independence may not be as widespread as it is often portrayed, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the political realities within Taiwan itself.