Original sentence: Recently, a distinct Taiwanese identity (as opposed to a Taiwanese identity under a pan-Chinese identity) is often at the heart of political debates, because its acceptance makes the island distinct from Mainland China, and therefore may be seen as a step towards forming a consensus for de jure Taiwan independence.The shared cultural origin combined with several hundred years of geographical separation, some hundred years of political separation and foreign influences, as well as hostility between the rival ROC and PRC have resulted in national identity being a contentious issue with political overtones
Edited sentence: It is often at the heart of political debates, because its existence makes the island distinct from Mainland China, and therefore may be seen as a step towards forming a consensus for de jure Taiwan independence.The shared cultural origin combined with several hundred years of geographical separation, some hundred years of political separation and foreign influences, as well as hostility between the rival ROC and PRC have resulted in Taiwanese identity being a contentious issue with political overtones