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Foreign Relations
Introduction
While Taiwan asserts its sovereignty as an independent nation, it faces significant obstacles in obtaining broad international recognition. Only a handful of countries officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. These countries include Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Vatican City. The limited number of countries recognizing Taiwan is primarily due to the complex geopolitical landscape and the One-China policy, which dictates that there is only one China and Taiwan is an integral part of it.
The One-China policy, adhered to by a majority of nations, recognizes the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legitimate representative of China. This policy stems from the Chinese Civil War that ended in 1949 when the Communist Party established the PRC on the mainland, while the defeated Kuomintang-led government retreated to Taiwan. Since then, the PRC has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan and considers any recognition of Taiwan’s independence as a direct challenge to its territorial integrity.
Recognizing Taiwan comes with significant diplomatic, economic, and political implications. For many countries, maintaining diplomatic relations with the PRC is crucial due to its status as a global economic powerhouse and a major trading partner. The PRC’s influence in international affairs, particularly within organizations like the United Nations, further adds to the pressure faced by countries to adhere to the One-China policy. Consequently, recognizing Taiwan can result in strained diplomatic relations with the PRC, limiting access to economic opportunities and international cooperation.
Taiwan Diplomatic Allies
| Country | Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | No |
| Argentina | No |
| Australia | No |
| Austria | No |
| Barbados | No |
| Belgium | No |
| Bolivia | No |
| Botswana | No |
| Brazil | No |
| Burkina Faso | No |
| Cambodia | No |
| Cameroon | No |
| Canada | No |
| Central African Republic | No |
| Chad | No |
| Chile | No |
| Colombia | No |
| Costa Rica | No |
| Cuba | No |
| Cyprus | No |
| Czech Republic | No |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | No |
| Denmark | No |
| Dominica | No |
| Dominican Republic | No |
| Ecuador | No |
| Egypt | No |
| El Salvador | No |
| Estonia | No |
| Finland | No |
| France | No |
| Gabon | No |
| Germany | No |
| Greece | No |
| Grenada | No |
| Guinea-Bissau | No |
| Honduras | No |
| India | No |
| Iraq | No |
| Italy | No |
| Ivory Coast | No |
| Jamaica | No |
| Japan | No |
| Jordan | No |
| Kiribati | No |
| Kuwait | No |
| Laos | No |
| Latvia | No |
| Lebanon | No |
| Lesotho | No |
| Liberia | No |
| Libya | No |
| Luxembourg | No |
| Madagascar | No |
| Malawi | No |
| Malaysia | No |
| Maldives | No |
| Malta | No |
| Mauritania | No |
| Mexico | No |
| Netherlands | No |
| New Zealand | No |
| Nicaragua | No |
| Niger | No |
| Norway | No |
| Pakistan | No |
| Panama | No |
| Papua New Guinea | No |
| People's Republic of China | No |
| Peru | No |
| Philippines | No |
| Poland | No |
| Portugal | No |
| Republic of the Congo | No |
| Russia | No |
| Rwanda | No |
| Saudi Arabia | No |
| Senegal | No |
| Sierra Leone | No |
| Solomon Islands | No |
| South Africa | No |
| South Korea | No |
| Spain | No |
| Sweden | No |
| Switzerland | No |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | No |
| Thailand | No |
| The Bahamas | No |
| The Gambia | No |
| Togo | No |
| Tonga | No |
| Turkey | No |
| United Kingdom | No |
| Uruguay | No |
| Vanuatu | No |
| Venezuela | No |
| Belize | Yes |
| Guatemala | Yes |
| Haiti | Yes |
| Marshall Islands | Yes |
| Nauru | Yes |
| Palau | Yes |
| Paraguay | Yes |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Yes |
| Saint Lucia | Yes |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Yes |
| Tuvalu | Yes |
| Vatican City | Yes |
Taiwan Allies
Only 12 countries officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. These countries are mainly located in Central America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. The largest among them is Guatemala, which has been one of Taiwan’s closest allies since 1944. Other Central American countries that recognize Taiwan include Belize, and Paraguay. These countries have maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan despite pressure from China to sever ties, unlike Honduras which recently broke ties with Taiwan in favor of China, earlier in 2023.
In the Caribbean, the four countries that recognize Taiwan are Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Taiwan has provided these countries with financial aid and technical assistance in areas such as agriculture, education, and healthcare. In return, these countries have supported Taiwan’s bid for international recognition and have opposed China’s efforts to isolate Taiwan on the world stage.
In the Pacific, the countries that recognize Taiwan are the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, and Tuvalu. These countries are small island nations that rely heavily on foreign aid, and Taiwan has been a significant source of financial assistance for them. In recent years, China has tried to lure these countries away from Taiwan by offering large amounts of aid and investment, but so far, they have continued to support Taiwan.
Apart from these countries, Taiwan maintains unofficial relations with many other countries through trade, cultural exchanges, and other forms of cooperation. However, due to pressure from China, Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations and is not recognized as a sovereign state by most countries. Despite these challenges, Taiwan has managed to establish itself as a prosperous and democratic country with a vibrant economy and a vibrant culture, and it continues to strive for greater international recognition and participation.
The twelve countries that recognize Taiwan are :
1. Belize
2. Guatemala
3. Haiti
4. Marshall Islands
5. Nauru
6. Palau
7. Paraguay
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis
9. Saint Lucia
10. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
11. Tuvalu
12. Vatican City
Countries That Recognize Taiwan
Afghanistan
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No
Argentina
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No
Australia
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No
Austria
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No
Barbados
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No
Belgium
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No
Belize
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Yes
Belize maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, recognizing it as a separate entity from China. This relationship is based on mutual cooperation and shared interests in areas such as trade, investment, and development. Belize's recognition of Taiwan has occasionally faced pressures from China, but the country has maintained its stance, valuing the longstanding ties it has built with Taiwan.
Bolivia
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No
Botswana
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No
Brazil
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No
Burkina Faso
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No
Cambodia
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No
Cameroon
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No
Canada
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No
Central African Republic
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No
Chad
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No
Chile
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No
Colombia
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No
Costa Rica
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No
Cuba
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No
Cyprus
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No
Czech Republic
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No
Democratic Republic of the Congo
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No
Denmark
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No
Dominica
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No
Dominican Republic
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No
Ecuador
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No
Egypt
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No
El Salvador
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No
Estonia
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No
Finland
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No
France
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No
Gabon
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No
Germany
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No
Greece
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No
Grenada
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No
Guatemala
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Yes
Guatemala recognizes Taiwan as an independent country and maintains diplomatic relations with it. The two countries have a history of cooperation and exchange in various sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, and education. Guatemala's recognition of Taiwan has occasionally been a point of contention with China, but the diplomatic ties between Guatemala and Taiwan remain intact.
Guinea-Bissau
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No
Haiti
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Yes
Haiti recognizes Taiwan and maintains diplomatic relations with it. The two countries have developed close cooperation in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Despite pressures from China to sever ties with Taiwan, Haiti has continued its diplomatic relations, valuing the support and assistance provided by Taiwan.
Honduras
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No
India
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No
Iraq
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No
Italy
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No
Ivory Coast
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No
Jamaica
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No
Japan
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No
Jordan
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No
Kiribati
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No
Kuwait
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No
Laos
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No
Latvia
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No
Lebanon
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No
Lesotho
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No
Liberia
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No
Libya
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No
Luxembourg
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No
Madagascar
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No
Malawi
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No
Malaysia
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No
Maldives
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No
Malta
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No
Marshall Islands
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Yes
The Marshall Islands maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, recognizing it as a separate entity. The two countries have a long history of close cooperation, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. The Marshall Islands' recognition of Taiwan has faced diplomatic challenges with China, but the country has chosen to maintain its ties with Taiwan.
Mauritania
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No
Mexico
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No
Nauru
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Yes
Nauru recognizes Taiwan as a sovereign state and maintains diplomatic relations with it. The two countries have established a strong partnership, collaborating in areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. Nauru's recognition of Taiwan has been subject to pressure from China, but the diplomatic ties between Nauru and Taiwan have remained intact.
Netherlands
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No
New Zealand
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No
Nicaragua
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No
Niger
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No
Norway
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No
Pakistan
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No
Palau
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Yes
Palau recognizes Taiwan and maintains diplomatic relations with it. The two countries share a close friendship and cooperation in various sectors, including tourism, healthcare, education, and environmental conservation. Despite diplomatic pressures from China, Palau has stood by its recognition of Taiwan and continues to foster bilateral relations.
Panama
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No
Papua New Guinea
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No
Paraguay
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Yes
Paraguay recognizes Taiwan as a separate entity and maintains diplomatic relations with it. The two countries have a history of cooperation in areas such as trade, agriculture, education, and infrastructure development. Paraguay's recognition of Taiwan has faced diplomatic challenges with China, but the diplomatic ties between Paraguay and Taiwan remain in place.
People's Republic of China
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No
Peru
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No
Philippines
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No
Poland
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No
Portugal
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No
Republic of the Congo
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No
Russia
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No
Rwanda
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No
Saint Kitts and Nevis
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Yes
Saint Kitts and Nevis recognizes Taiwan as a sovereign state and maintains diplomatic relations with it. The two countries have developed close cooperation in areas such as healthcare, education, and tourism. Despite diplomatic pressures, Saint Kitts and Nevis has continued its diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
Saint Lucia
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Yes
Saint Lucia recognizes Taiwan and maintains diplomatic relations with it. The two countries have established a cooperative relationship in various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. Saint Lucia's recognition of Taiwan has faced diplomatic challenges, but the diplomatic relations between the two countries persist.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
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Yes
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines recognizes Taiwan as a separate entity and maintains diplomatic relations with it. The two countries have a history of cooperation in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Despite diplomatic pressures from China, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continues to uphold its recognition of Taiwan.
São Tomé and Príncipe
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No
São Tomé and Príncipe recognizes Taiwan and maintains diplomatic relations with it. The two countries have established a partnership in various fields, including agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. São Tomé and Príncipe's recognition of Taiwan has faced diplomatic challenges, but the diplomatic ties between the two countries remain.
Saudi Arabia
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No
Senegal
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No
Sierra Leone
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No
Solomon Islands
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No
South Africa
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No
South Korea
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No
Spain
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No
Sweden
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No
Switzerland
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No
Thailand
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No
The Bahamas
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No
The Gambia
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No
Togo
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No
Tonga
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No
Turkey
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No
Tuvalu
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Yes
United Kingdom
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No
Uruguay
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No
Vanuatu
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No
Vatican City
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Yes
Vatican City recognizes Taiwan and maintains unofficial diplomatic relations with it. The Holy See, which governs Vatican City, recognizes Taiwan's sovereignty and has engaged in dialogues and exchanges with Taiwanese officials. The Vatican's recognition of Taiwan has occasionally been a point of contention with China, but the Holy See continues to maintain its stance.
Venezuela
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No
FAQs
Why does China want Taiwan ?
China wants Taiwan due to historical and political factors. Historically, Taiwan is viewed as a part of China’s territory that was separated during the Chinese Civil War, and politically, China seeks to consolidate its control over the island to maintain its perceived territorial integrity and bolster its position as a global power.
Does the US recognize Taiwan ?
The United States does not formally recognize Taiwan as an independent nation due to its adherence to the One-China policy, but it maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and provides it with substantial diplomatic, economic, and military support.
Is Taiwan recognized by the UN ?
No, Taiwan is not recognized as a separate member state by the United Nations. It lost its UN seat to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1971.
Is Taiwan an independent country ?
The status of Taiwan as an independent country is a complex and politically sensitive issue. Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state with its own government, military, and constitution. However, its formal international recognition as an independent country is limited, as most countries adhere to the One-China policy, which recognizes the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legitimate representative of China. The PRC considers Taiwan as an integral part of its territory.
How many countries recognize Taiwan ?
There are currently 12 countries that recognize Taiwan, as Honduras just broke its diplomatic ties with Taiwan in order to foster diplomatic relations with China.
What countries recognize Taiwan ?
Several countries recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state, including Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Vatican City.
I am an expert in international relations and geopolitical affairs, specializing in the complex dynamics surrounding Taiwan's quest for international recognition. My knowledge is grounded in a thorough understanding of historical events, political strategies, and the intricacies of diplomatic relations. I have closely followed the developments related to Taiwan's diplomatic standing and the challenges it faces in the international arena.
In the provided article, the focus is on Taiwan's foreign relations, especially its efforts to secure recognition as a sovereign state despite the obstacles posed by the One-China policy. The One-China policy, rooted in the aftermath of the Chinese Civil War, asserts that there is only one China, and Taiwan is an integral part of it. This policy significantly influences the diplomatic landscape, making it challenging for Taiwan to gain broad international recognition.
The article details the specific countries that officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state, including Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Vatican City. These countries, mainly located in Central America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, play a crucial role in Taiwan's diplomatic network.
The diplomatic, economic, and political implications of recognizing Taiwan are highlighted, underscoring the pressure many countries face to adhere to the One-China policy due to China's global economic influence and status as a major trading partner. The article also presents a list of countries and their stance on recognizing Taiwan, providing a comprehensive overview of the international landscape surrounding Taiwan's sovereignty.
Additionally, the article delves into specific regions, such as Central America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, where Taiwan has managed to maintain diplomatic allies. It emphasizes the economic and developmental cooperation between Taiwan and its allies, despite China's attempts to sway some countries away from Taiwan with promises of aid and investment.
The conclusion recognizes Taiwan's unofficial relations with many other countries through trade, cultural exchanges, and various forms of cooperation, acknowledging the challenges posed by China's influence on Taiwan's international recognition. Despite these challenges, Taiwan is portrayed as a prosperous and democratic country striving for greater international acknowledgment and participation.
If you have any specific questions or need further insights into Taiwan's foreign relations or related topics, feel free to ask.
