During Jiang Jieshi's rule, political opposition in Taiwan was largely suppressed through the enforcement of martial law and the White Terror, which dismantled existing opposition groups and deterred the formation of new ones. However, the opposition did not disappear entirely; it went underground and sometimes even operated from abroad. Dissidents utilised pamphlets, clandestine meetings, and international advocacy to express their discontent with Jiang's authoritarian rule. Prominent incidents, such as the Kaohsiung Incident of 1979, showed the persistent undercurrent of political dissent. The opposition was diverse, including intellectuals, students, and local Taiwanese who resented the mainland Chinese-dominated government.

Jiang Jieshi's government aggressively promoted Chinese culture in Taiwan as part of a wider strategy to assert the legitimacy of his regime and its claim over all of China. This included promoting Mandarin as the official language, while local dialects and languages were discouraged or banned. Traditional Chinese literature, arts, and Confucian values were emphasised in education and public life. These policies led to the marginalisation of Taiwanese cultural expressions and fuelled resentment among the local population. The consequences were a cultural dissonance within Taiwan and a growing resistance movement that sought to preserve and revive Taiwanese cultural practices and identity.

The international community's reaction to Jiang Jieshi's rule in Taiwan was mixed and largely influenced by the geopolitics of the Cold War. The United States and its allies supported Jiang as a bulwark against communism in Asia, providing economic and military aid. This support was instrumental in helping Jiang maintain his regime and in Taiwan's subsequent economic development. However, there was also criticism from various international human rights groups and some nations regarding the lack of political freedom and human rights abuses under his rule. The United Nations' recognition of the People's Republic of China in 1971 led to the isolation of Jiang's government, highlighting the contentious international stance on Taiwan's political situation.

The lifting of martial law in Taiwan in 1987 was the result of a combination of internal and external pressures. Internally, there was growing dissatisfaction among the populace with the lack of political freedoms and the economic disparities that had become apparent. The death of Jiang Jieshi and the gradual liberalisation policies of his son, Jiang Jingguo, also played a role. Externally, the global trend towards democracy and human rights, along with pressure from the United States, encouraged political reform. The transition occurred through a series of legislative acts that culminated in the end of martial law, leading to the legalisation of opposition parties, the release of political prisoners, and the establishment of a pathway towards full democracy.

Jiang Jieshi's regime had a significant impact on Taiwan's post-war economic development. Initially, the economy faced numerous challenges, including inflation and lack of resources. However, Jiang implemented a series of reforms, such as the 1953 'Land to the Tiller' programme, which redistributed land and boosted agricultural productivity. Moreover, his government established state-owned enterprises that laid the groundwork for industrial growth. With substantial aid from the United States under the Mutual Security Act, Taiwan invested in infrastructure and education, which further stimulated economic progress. These policies eventually transformed Taiwan into one of Asia's 'Four Tigers', with a robust, export-driven economy.