Which countries recognize Taiwan as a state? An overview.
The announced visit of US top politician Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan on August 2nd brought an island whose status is disputed back into the focus of world politics. It is the Republic of China, which is still the official name of the island nation, although it is known around the world primarily as Taiwan, the name of the island. But why is international recognition controversial?
History of Taiwan: From Colony to Republic of China
Anyone who understands the current Taiwan conflict must take a little trip back in time to the turbulent history of Taiwan. In the 17th century parts of the island were Dutch and parts Spanish colonies. It subsequently belonged to the Chinese Empire before falling to Japan at the end of the 19th century after the First Sino-Japanese War.
After World War II, Taiwan became part of the Republic of China. After the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in Beijing in 1949, the island state kept the name Republic of China and is the second Chinese state alongside the People’s Republic. Since then, Beijing has seen Taiwan as part of China, even though Taiwan has its own democratic government.
Island State Status and Taiwan Conflict
China repeatedly threatens to take control of the island state militarily, but the people of Taiwan want independence. Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party, which is very critical of the People’s Republic of China, has governed the Republic of China since May 2016. Relations have since deteriorated
As the Republic of China, Taiwan was a founding member of the UN and was the sole Chinese representative in the United Nations until 1971. This included a permanent seat on the Security Council. When the People’s Republic of China joined the United Nations, the Republic of China lost its membership. As a result, most member states of the UN broke off diplomatic relations with Taiwan. This is mainly due to the fact that all states that want to maintain bilateral relations with China must also recognize China’s one-China policy. According to this, Taiwan, or the Republic of China, is a part of China.
International Recognition: Who Recognizes Taiwan?
Currently, 13 states and the Holy See of Vatican City maintain official diplomatic relations with the Republic of China.
Vatican City (since 1942)
Haiti (1956)
Paraguay (1957)
Guatemala (1960)
Honduras (1965)
Eswatini (1968)
Tuvalu (1979)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (1981)
Saint Kitts and Nevis (1983)
Belize (1989)
Marshall Islands (1998)
Palau (1999)
Nauru (1980–2002, 2005)
Saint Lucia (1984–1997, 2007)
In recent years, more and more countries have cut ties with Taiwan. Most recently in 2021 Nicaragua. Although many states do not maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan, they maintain contact through unofficial missions. These are called Taipei Economic and Cultural Bureaus, but they do not have the status of embassies. There are such facilities in over 50 countries worldwide. There is also a Taipei agency in Germany.
Role of the USA in the conflict between Taiwan and China
The United States has reached a quasi-contractual agreement with the island state, which includes six commitments. These also state that “the United States will not recognize Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan.” In addition, arms sales are regulated and the US has committed itself to providing military assistance if Taiwan is attacked by China.
US President Joe Biden last confirmed in October 2021 that the United States would stand by Taiwan if there was an attack by China. However, the protecting power is holding back on matters that are direct points of contention between China and the ROC and is trying to act moderately.
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