Taiwan

Abstract

The question of Taiwan’s international legal status is one of the most enduring problems in international law. Based on effectiveness, Taiwan appears to comply with the criteria of statehood, but it has not unequivocally asserted a separate legal status as a State, and therefore it cannot be regarded as a State under international law. Moreover, the question of what entity acquired territorial sovereignty over Taiwan needs to be addressed. The contentious legal issues relating to Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and its treatment in diplomatic relations as well as in municipal courts follow from its status as a non-State political entity.

Keywords: Taiwan, international legal status, statehood, de facto regime

JEL Classification: K33