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
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Argentina
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Australia
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Austria
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Barbados
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Belgium
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Belize
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
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
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Botswana
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Brazil
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Burkina Faso
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Cambodia
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Cameroon
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Canada
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Central African Republic
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Chad
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Chile
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Colombia
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Costa Rica
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Cuba
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Cyprus
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Czech Republic
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Denmark
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Dominica
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Dominican Republic
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Ecuador
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Egypt
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
El Salvador
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Estonia
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Finland
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
France
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Gabon
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Germany
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Greece
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Grenada
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Guatemala
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
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
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Haiti
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
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
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
India
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Iraq
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Italy
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Ivory Coast
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Jamaica
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Japan
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Jordan
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Kiribati
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Kuwait
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Laos
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Latvia
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Lebanon
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Lesotho
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Liberia
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Libya
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Luxembourg
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Madagascar
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Malawi
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Malaysia
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Maldives
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Malta
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Marshall Islands
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
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
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Mexico
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Nauru
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
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
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
New Zealand
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Nicaragua
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Niger
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Norway
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Pakistan
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Palau
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
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
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Papua New Guinea
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Paraguay
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
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
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Peru
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Philippines
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Poland
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Portugal
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Republic of the Congo
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Russia
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Rwanda
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
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
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
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
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
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
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
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
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Senegal
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Sierra Leone
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Solomon Islands
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
South Africa
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
South Korea
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Spain
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Sweden
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Switzerland
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Thailand
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
The Bahamas
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
The Gambia
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Togo
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Tonga
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Turkey
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Tuvalu
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
Yes
United Kingdom
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Uruguay
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Vanuatu
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
No
Vatican City
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
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
Taiwan Diplomatic Recognition
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.
Need to survey a highly targeted audience?
Talk to our Experts