Explained: What Is 'Taiwan Independence' and Is It Already Independent?

The recent update on the U.S. State Department’s Taiwan page has sparked a discussion about Taiwan’s independence, as the page removed a reference to not supporting Taiwan’s independence. Here’s a breakdown of Taiwan’s historical context and current status.

Taiwan's History and Current Name

Historically known as Formosa, Taiwan has been home to indigenous peoples for thousands of years. In the 1600s, parts of Taiwan were briefly ruled by the Dutch and Spanish. The Qing dynasty annexed Taiwan in 1684 as part of Fujian Province and declared it a separate Chinese province in 1885. Following their defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War, Taiwan was ceded to Japan in 1895. After World War II, Taiwan was handed over to the Republic of China (ROC) in 1945.

After the ROC lost the Chinese Civil War to Mao Zedong's communist forces in 1949, the ROC government retreated to Taiwan, where it remains today, while the People's Republic of China (PRC) was established on the mainland. The PRC claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan insists it is a sovereign state with the ROC as its formal government.

Taiwan's International Status

Taiwan has never been officially recognized as a separate state by the majority of the international community. The ROC held China’s seat in the United Nations until 1971, when it was replaced by the PRC. Currently, Taiwan maintains formal diplomatic relations with only a few countries, primarily small and developing nations. However, many countries, including the U.S., have unofficial ties with Taiwan, recognizing its passport and facilitating travel for Taiwanese citizens.

The U.S. severed official diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979 but is legally obligated to help Taiwan defend itself under the Taiwan Relations Act. The U.S. follows the "One China" policy, acknowledging the PRC’s position that Taiwan is part of China, but without taking a stance on Taiwan's sovereignty.

Is Taiwan Already Independent?

While Taiwan does not declare itself formally independent, it operates with de facto independence. Taiwan’s government controls its territory, conducts its own elections, issues its own currency, and has its own military. The government considers itself the sovereign state of the Republic of China, rejecting the PRC’s claim to represent Taiwan.

Can Taiwan Declare 'Republic of Taiwan'?

Declaring Taiwan as the "Republic of Taiwan" would require a constitutional amendment, which is a complex process involving parliamentary approval and a referendum. This process would face significant political opposition, particularly from the Kuomintang (KMT), which supports maintaining the name "Republic of China." The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), while advocating for Taiwan's autonomy, has not pursued constitutional change.

Taiwan's President on Independence

Taiwan’s current president, Lai Ching-te, has faced criticism from China, which labels him a separatist. Lai has clarified that he views Taiwan as already independent, though his statements have sparked accusations from Beijing that he is pushing for formal independence. Since taking office in 2024, Lai has repeatedly emphasized that Taiwan and China are "not subordinate to each other."

China's Legal Framework Against Taiwan's Independence

In 2005, China enacted the Anti-Secession Law, which provides the legal basis for military action against Taiwan if it formally declares independence or if peaceful reunification appears impossible. While the law is vague, it underscores China’s commitment to preventing Taiwan from pursuing formal independence.

Conclusion

Taiwan's status remains a complex issue, caught between its practical independence and China's insistence on its reunification. As global tensions over Taiwan's future continue to rise, it remains a key point of contention in international relations, particularly between Taiwan, China, and the U.S.