Fact Check: "Taiwan is a country"
What We Know
The status of Taiwan is a complex and contentious issue in international relations. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), operates as a self-governing entity with its own government, military, and constitution. However, its sovereignty is disputed by the People's Republic of China (PRC), which claims Taiwan as part of its territory. According to the Taiwan Statehood article, Taiwan meets the criteria for statehood as outlined in the 1936 Montevideo Convention, which includes having a permanent population, a defined territory, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. However, the article also notes that Taiwan's status is complicated by its lack of widespread international recognition, primarily due to the PRC's influence.
As of 2024, only a limited number of countries formally recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state, with the number dwindling over the years due to diplomatic pressures from the PRC (Countries that Recognize Taiwan 2025). The ROC was the representative of China in the United Nations until 1971, when the PRC took its place following UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 (Political status of Taiwan).
Taiwan has not declared independence from China, which is a significant factor in its international status. The PRC has made it clear that any formal declaration of independence by Taiwan would provoke military action (Taiwan Statehood). Despite this, Taiwan operates independently and has developed a distinct national identity and governance system.
Analysis
The claim that "Taiwan is a country" can be evaluated through two lenses: the declarative theory of statehood and the constitutive theory of statehood. The declarative theory posits that a state exists if it meets certain criteria, regardless of recognition by other states. Taiwan fulfills these criteria, as it has a permanent population, a defined territory, a functioning government, and the ability to engage in international relations (Taiwan Statehood).
However, the constitutive theory emphasizes the importance of recognition by other states, which Taiwan lacks on a broad scale. The PRC's strong stance against Taiwan's independence and its diplomatic efforts to isolate Taiwan internationally complicate its status (Political status of Taiwan).
The article "Taiwan's International Status: 'A Country Within a Country'" discusses how Taiwan's situation can be viewed as a "country within a country," highlighting its self-governance and democratic institutions while acknowledging the geopolitical constraints it faces (Taiwan's International Status).
While Taiwan functions like a sovereign state, its lack of recognition by the majority of the international community and the PRC's claims create a unique and ambiguous situation. The sources consulted provide a balanced view of Taiwan's status, but they also reflect the political biases inherent in discussions about Taiwan, particularly from perspectives influenced by PRC policies.
Conclusion
The claim that "Taiwan is a country" is Partially True. Taiwan exhibits many characteristics of a sovereign state, including self-governance and a distinct national identity. However, its lack of widespread international recognition and the ongoing claims by the PRC complicate its status. Thus, while Taiwan operates as a country in many respects, its official status remains contested on the global stage.
