Editing Foreign relations of Taiwan (section)

==Historical context==
The ROC government participated in the [[Moscow Conference (1943)|1943 Moscow Conference]], the [[Dumbarton Oaks Conference]], and the [[United Nations Conference on International Organization]] and was a charter member of the United Nations after participating in the alliance that won [[World War II]]. In 1949, the Nationalists lost the [[Chinese Civil War]] in mainland China and retreated to Taiwan, [[Penghu]], [[Kinmen]], and [[Matsu Islands|Matsu]], forming a [[rump state]]. Despite the major loss of territory, the ROC continued to be recognized as the legitimate government of China by the UN and by many non-Communist states.<ref>Jonathan Manthorpe, ''Forbidden Nation: A History of Taiwan'' (2008) pp. When 94–200. [[St. Martin's Griffin]], [https://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Nation-History-Jonathan-Manthorpe/dp/0230614248 Excerpt] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413163352/https://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Nation-History-Jonathan-Manthorpe/dp/0230614248 |date=13 April 2020 }}</ref>

[[Taiwan–United States relations|American foreign policy 1950–1971]] called for full recognition and support of the government of China in Taiwan. As the [[Korean War]] (1950–1953) broke out, Taiwan was not allowed to send military support to South Korea. However, the [[Presidency of Harry S. Truman|Truman Administration]] resumed economic and military aid to the ROC on Taiwan and neutralized the [[Taiwan Strait]] by [[United States Seventh Fleet]] to stop a [[Chinese Communist Party]] (CCP) invasion and a potential ROC counter-invasion of the mainland.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Milestones: 1953–1960 – Office of the Historian |url=https://history.state.gov/milestones/1953-1960/taiwan-strait-crises |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=history.state.gov |archive-date=1 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601001511/https://history.state.gov/milestones/1953-1960/taiwan-strait-crises |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 1954 a US-Taiwan military alliance was signed as part of the American Cold War strategy in the Far East, in the determination not to allow [[Chiang Kai-shek]]'s forces on Taiwan to attack China,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Lin |first=Hsiao-Ting  |year=2013 |title=U.S.-Taiwan Military Diplomacy Revisited |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26376504 |journal=Diplomatic History |publisher=Oxford University Press |volume=37 |issue=5 |pages=971–994 |doi=10.1093/dh/dht047 |access-date=2025-04-03 |jstor=26376504}}</ref> thereby setting off another even larger war between the United States and China.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Avalon Project – Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Republic of China; December 2, 1954 |url=https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/chin001.asp |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=avalon.law.yale.edu |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529044608/https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/chin001.asp |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[[Hsiao-ting Lin]],  "US-Taiwan Military Diplomacy Revisited: Chiang Kai-shek, Baituan, and the 1954 Mutual Defense Pact." ''Diplomatic History'' 37.5 (2013): 971–994.</ref>

The American military presence in Taiwan consisted of the [[Military Assistance Advisory Group#MAAG, Republic of China|Military Assistance Advisory Group]] (MAAG) and the [[United States Taiwan Defense Command]] (USTDC). Other notable units included the [[327th Air Division]]. Until the US formally recognized the People's Republic of China in 1979, Washington provided the ROC with financial grants based on the [[Foreign Assistance Act]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marshallfoundation.org/library/doc_eca.html |title=The Economic Cooperation Authority |access-date=3 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217121005/http://www.marshallfoundation.org/library/doc_eca.html |archive-date=17 February 2007}}</ref> [[Mutual Security Act]], and [[United States Agency for International Development|Act for International Development]] enacted by the [[United States Congress|US Congress]]. A separate [[Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of China|Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty]] was signed between the two governments of US and ROC in 1954 and lasted until 1979.<ref>Richard C. Bush, ''At Cross Purposes : U.S.-Taiwan Relations Since 1942'' (M.E. Sharpe, 2004).</ref>

The US State Department's official position in 1959 was:
:That the provisional capital of the Republic of China has been at Taipei, Taiwan (Formosa) since December 1949; that the Government of the Republic of China exercises authority over the island; that the sovereignty of Formosa has not been transferred to China; and that Formosa is not a part of China as a country, at least not as yet, and not until and unless appropriate [[Treaty|treaties]] are hereafter entered into. Formosa may be said to be a territory or an area occupied and administered by the Government of the Republic of China, but is not officially recognized as being a part of the Republic of China.<ref>{{cite book|author=Frank Chiang|title=The One-China Policy: State, Sovereignty, and Taiwan's International Legal Status|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qi9HDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA229|year=2017|publisher=[[Elsevier]]|location=New York|page=229|isbn=978-0081023150}}</ref>

In the past decades, the US had maintained a position to not support Taiwanese independence, and instead to have a One China policy that's guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three U.S.-China Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances, and to expect cross-Strait differences to be handled peacefully, and oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Relations With Taiwan |url=https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-taiwan/ |access-date=2023-10-14 |website=United States Department of State |language=en |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311230117/https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-taiwan/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===1971 expulsion from the UN===
In 1971, the UN expelled the ROC and transferred China's seat to the [[China|People's Republic of China]] (PRC).<ref name="expell details un">{{cite news |last1=Hale |first1=Erin |title=Taiwan taps on United Nations' door, 50 years after departure |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/25/chinas-un-seat-50-years-on |access-date=14 October 2022 |work=Aljazeera |language=en |archive-date=29 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129190345/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/25/chinas-un-seat-50-years-on |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition to the {{Langx|la|{{linktext|ad tempus}}|label=none}} recognition of the ROC by a majority of countries before [[UN Resolution 2758]], the ROC lost its membership in all [[intergovernmental organization|intergovernmental organisations]] related to the UN. As the UN and related organizations like the [[International Court of Justice]] are the most common venues for effective execution of international law and serve as the international community for sovereign states, a majority of the countries aligned with the West in the [[Cold War]] terminated diplomatic relations with the ROC and opened diplomatic relations with the PRC.

The [[United Nations Charter]]'s Articles 23 and 110, in its [[Chapter II of the United Nations Charter|Chapter II]], explicitly refer to the ROC, but the seat of "China" is currently occupied by the PRC. The ROC continues to maintain substantial relations,<ref>{{cite web |author=Wei-chin Lee |url=http://www.brookings.edu/research/opinions/2012/07/16-taiwan-ngo-lee |title=Diplomatic Impetus and Altruistic Impulse: NGOs and the Expansion of Taiwan's International Space |publisher=[[Brookings Institution]] |date=11 October 2011 |access-date=25 April 2013 |archive-date=9 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409022628/http://www.brookings.edu/research/opinions/2012/07/16-taiwan-ngo-lee |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.taiwanngo.tw/bin/home.php?Lang=en |title=Taiwan NGOs |publisher=Taiwanngo.tw |date=12 April 2013 |access-date=25 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513025007/http://www.taiwanngo.tw/bin/home.php?Lang=en |archive-date=13 May 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> including with most of the [[non-governmental organization|non-governmental organisations]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unog.ch/80256EE60057E07D/(httpHomepages)/80A3DF6327DDD70180256F040066C85C?OpenDocument|title=The United Nations in the Heart of Europe &#124; The United Nations & Civil Society|publisher=Unog.ch|access-date=25 April 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501204846/http://unog.ch/80256EE60057E07D/(httpHomepages)/80A3DF6327DDD70180256F040066C85C?OpenDocument|archive-date=1 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://csonet.org/ |title=Welcome to csonet.org &#124; Website of the UN DESA NGO Branch. At your service |publisher=Csonet.org |access-date=25 April 2013 |archive-date=5 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405081308/http://www.csonet.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unrol.org/article.aspx?article_id=23 |title=Non-governmental organizations |publisher=Unrol.org |access-date=25 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511064926/http://unrol.org/article.aspx?article_id=23 |archive-date=11 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=kouraich jaouahdou |url=http://www.un-ngls.org/orf/ngorelations.htm |title=UN – NGO Relations |publisher=Un-ngls.org |access-date=25 April 2013 |archive-date=29 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329174700/http://www.un-ngls.org/orf/ngorelations.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ngodpiexecom.org/ |title=NGO/DPI Executive Committee &#124; The Executive Committee of Non-Governmental Organizations Associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information |publisher=Ngodpiexecom.org |access-date=25 April 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415121002/http://ngodpiexecom.org/ |archive-date=15 April 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/doemoff/govinfo/intl/gov_ngos.html |title=Non-Governmental Organizations |publisher=Lib.berkeley.edu |date=18 June 2010 |access-date=25 April 2013 |archive-date=22 February 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060222113803/http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/doemoff/govinfo/intl/gov_ngos.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://habitat.igc.org/ngo-rev/ |title=Non-Governmental Organizations at the United Nations |publisher=Habitat.igc.org |date=25 July 1996 |access-date=25 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622083128/http://habitat.igc.org/ngo-rev/ |archive-date=22 June 2013}}</ref> at the United Nations, in addition with the ''concern'' from [[UNESCO]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002144/214464E.pdf |title=UNESCO. Executive Board; 188th; Decisions adopted by the Executive Board at its 188th session; 2011 |access-date=25 April 2013 |archive-date=24 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224112023/http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002144/214464E.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations]] was signed and ratified by the ROC on 18 April 1961 and 19 December 1969,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=III-3&chapter=3&lang=en#4 |title=UNTC |publisher=United Nations |access-date=25 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130519165249/http://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=III-3&chapter=3&lang=en |archive-date=19 May 2013}}</ref> including Optional Protocol concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Disputes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://legal.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/conventions/9_1_1961_disputes.pdf |title=Optional Protocol concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Disputes, 1961 |publisher=United Nations |access-date=22 December 2016 |archive-date=27 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227061941/http://legal.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/conventions/9_1_1961_disputes.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> It is entitled by the founding of the United Nations as the cornerstone of modern-day diplomacy since the [[Vienna Congress]], Article 35 of 1969 [[Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties]] also applies to the ROC since 1971.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/UNTS/Volume%201155/volume-1155-I-18232-English.pdf |title=Vienna Convention on the law of treaties (with annex). Concluded at Vienna on 23 May 1969 |publisher=United Nations |access-date=22 December 2016 |archive-date=30 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130151302/https://treaties.un.org/doc/publication/unts/volume%201155/volume-1155-i-18232-english.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to the ROC's insecurity and intolerance in the 1970s and 1980s after it was expelled by the UN as well as American influence,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R41263.pdf |title=Democratic Reforms in Taiwan: Issues for Congress |author=Shirley A. Kan |date=26 May 2010 |access-date=9 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234655/https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R41263.pdf |archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> the ROC gradually democratized and adopted [[universal suffrage]], ending under the one-party leadership of President [[Chiang Ching-kuo]] by lifting 38 years of [[martial law]] on the Communist rebellion on mainland China and establishing the new self-identity of Republic of China (system) on Taiwan in the international community, enacting [[Two Chinas]] states in the world. UN Resolution 2758 is non-binding on the international law regarding the international status of the Republic of China on Taiwan, and the ROC continues to seek opportunities to join UN [[Specialized agencies]] to become a Permanent Observer<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/en/sections/member-states/about-permanent-observers/index.html |title=About Permanent Observers &#124; United Nations |publisher=Un.org |date=2002-09-10 |access-date=2020-05-29 |archive-date=9 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309025911/https://www.un.org/en/sections/member-states/about-permanent-observers/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> under the auspices of UN Resolution 396,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/670567|title = Recognition by the United Nations of the representation of a Member State|date = 14 December 1950}}</ref> which duly recommended the questions of debate on Chinese representation in the United Nations.

===Elections===
The first direct presidential election was held [[1996 Republic of China presidential election|in 1996]], and the incumbent President [[Lee Teng-hui]] was elected.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ben Blanchard |last2=Yimou Lee |title=Taiwan's 'Mr Democracy' Lee Teng-hui championed island, defied China |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-taiwan-lee-obituary/taiwans-mr-democracy-lee-teng-hui-championed-island-defied-china-idUKKCN24V29C |access-date=14 October 2022 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=30 July 2020 |language=en |quote=Lee's greatest act of defiance was becoming Taiwan's first democratically elected president in March 1996}}</ref> As of 4 May 2015, ROC nationals are eligible for preferential visa treatment from 142 countries and areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mofa.gov.tw/en/News_Content.aspx?n=1EADDCFD4C6EC567&s=5E78429C5CBD5E3A|title=ROC nationals now eligible for preferential visa treatment from 142 countries and areas – News and Events|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan)|access-date=14 September 2015|archive-date=4 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404101450/https://www.mofa.gov.tw/en/News_Content.aspx?n=1EADDCFD4C6EC567&s=5E78429C5CBD5E3A|url-status=live}}</ref> In the context of superpower and influential diplomacy, the ROC's traditional and stable allies include United States of America, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2011/09/06/2003512568 |title=UN told to drop 'Taiwan is part of China': cable |newspaper=[[Taipei Times]] |date=15 December 2016 |access-date=22 December 2016 |archive-date=22 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322023458/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2011/09/06/2003512568 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ROC's [[cultural diplomacy]] includes the establishment of the Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies in 2012 in major universities around the world.

In the [[2024 Taiwanese presidential election]], Vice President [[Lai Ching-te]], also known as William Lai, was elected as the new President of Taiwan, winning with 40.05% of the popular vote in Taiwan's most recent election that took place on January 13, 2024. Set to be sworn in on May 20, 2024, this election effectively underscores Taiwan's ongoing commitment to democratic governance amid escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning its large neighbor, China. The election of President Lai, backed by his party, the Democratic Progressive Party, reflects a strong commitment to maintaining Taiwan's sovereignty and actively engaging in international diplomacy and regional security.

This electoral outcome was characterized by a notably high voter turnout, demonstrating deep public engagement in the face of both external threats and internal debates about Taiwan's strategic future. Central to the election debates were issues such as the enhancement of economic independence, military upgrades, and the strengthening of international alliances. Lai's victory not only validates his policy platform but also signals Taiwan's determination to maintain an independent course of action amidst ongoing regional tensions.

Under President Lai's administration, Taiwan is poised to enhance its international standing and forge stronger diplomatic relationships. Since taking office, Lai has pursued an expansion of Taiwan's strategic global partnerships, particularly with nations involved in the Indo-Pacific strategy, to counter China's regional influence. His efforts include advocating for new trade agreements and enhancing Taiwan's participation in international forums{{snd}}areas where Taiwan has often faced marginalization due to diplomatic pressures from China.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.president.gov.tw/Page/543#:~:text=Lai%20served%20as%20Taiwan's%20premier,%2C%20and%20national%20well%2Dbeing. |title=President Lai's Administration Goals |access-date=1 May 2024 |archive-date=1 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101120823/https://english.president.gov.tw/Page/543#:~:text=Lai%20served%20as%20Taiwan's%20premier,%2C%20and%20national%20well%2Dbeing |url-status=live }}</ref>

The results of the 2024 election and the ensuing policies under President Lai's leadership are expected to significantly impact Taiwan's international relations and its role on the world stage. As Taiwan continues to assert its sovereignty and democratic values, the international community's response will be pivotal in shaping the political and economic future of the region.

===Development assistance===
Since 1950 Taiwan has given high priority to international aid, making its representatives welcome even in states without formal diplomatic relations. The policies provide generous aid without strict accountability conditions, especially in developing nations in Africa, Latin America, and the South Pacific. Building a reputation as a responsible and generous donor has earned it prestige, especially in contrast to the role of foreign aid in China's policies, such as the [[Belt and Road Initiative]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Atkinson|first=Joel|date=2014-05-27|title=Aid in Taiwan's foreign policy: putting Ma Ying-jeou's aid reforms in historical perspective|journal=The Pacific Review|language=en|volume=27|issue=3|pages=409–431|doi=10.1080/09512748.2014.909524|s2cid=153611281|issn=0951-2748}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Atkinson|first=Joel|date=May 2018|title=The real East Asian Aid model: Development assistance as an instrument of comprehensive security in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan|journal=Development Policy Review|language=en|volume=36|issue=3|pages=265–284|doi=10.1111/dpr.12283|s2cid=157964933}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Tubilewicz|first1=Czeslaw|last2=Guilloux|first2=Alain|date=June 2011|title=Does size matter? Foreign aid in Taiwan's diplomatic strategy, 2000–8|journal=Australian Journal of International Affairs|language=en|volume=65|issue=3|pages=322–339|doi=10.1080/10357718.2011.563777|s2cid=153638926|issn=1035-7718}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=June 2024|reason=None of the three sources mention BRI in their abstracts, a couple of them don't even mention the PRC}}

The ROC is one of the main supporters of [[official development assistance]],<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/development/development-co-operation-report-2011/notes-on-non-oecd-providers-of-development-co-operation_dcr-2011-44-en |title=Notes on non-OECD providers of development co-operation – Development Co-operation Report 2011 |pages=211–218 |publisher=OECD iLibrary |date=14 October 2011 |access-date=25 April 2013 |doi=10.1787/dcr-2011-44-en |doi-access=free |journal=Development Co-operation Report 2011 |archive-date=30 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330064716/http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/development/development-co-operation-report-2011/notes-on-non-oecd-providers-of-development-co-operation_dcr-2011-44-en |url-status=live }}</ref> with the International Cooperation and Development Fund managing ROC's Foreign Assistance and International Cooperation projects.<ref name="icdf.org.tw">{{cite web|url=http://www.icdf.org.tw/ct.asp?xItem=5293&CtNode=29880&mp=2|title=Taiwan ICDF Homepage |website=Icdf.org.tw |access-date=22 December 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227024029/https://www.icdf.org.tw/ct.asp?xItem=5293&CtNode=29880&mp=2 |archive-date=27 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="mofa.gov.tw">{{cite web|url=http://www.mofa.gov.tw/EnOfficial/FileList/DownLoadPage/?opno=67c9cebc-c85e-4713-9b1f-be189ae1d4bf|script-title=zh:中華民國外交部 – 全球資訊網 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)|access-date=21 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429153747/http://www.mofa.gov.tw/EnOfficial/FileList/DownLoadPage/?opno=67c9cebc-c85e-4713-9b1f-be189ae1d4bf|archive-date=29 April 2014|title= }}</ref> As of 2010, along with other US security allies including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea in the Asia-Pacific region with [[Taiwan Relations Act]], officials of the ROC have gained quasi-official level visits to the United States both in the governmental and political level, including the Taiwanese–US cooperative military guidance<ref>{{cite news |last=McDermott |first=Roger |url=http://www.jamestown.org/programs/chinabrief/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=36432&cHash=8ea655c34e |title=The Jamestown Foundation: Operational Changes in Taiwan's Han Kuang Military Exercises 2008–2010 |newspaper=Jamestown |publisher=Jamestown.org |access-date=25 April 2013 |archive-date=30 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330064804/http://www.jamestown.org/programs/chinabrief/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=36432&cHash=8ea655c34e |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2007/04/22/2003357691 |title=Joint 'Han Kuang' cyber war exercise concludes |newspaper=Taipei Times |date=19 April 2013 |access-date=25 April 2013 |archive-date=30 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330064723/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2007/04/22/2003357691 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defencereviewasia.com/articles/105/EXERCISE-HAN-KUANG-27-IN-TAIWAN |title=Exercise Han Kuang 27 in Taiwan &#124; Asian Defence News Articles |publisher=Defence Review Asia |access-date=25 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016152934/http://www.defencereviewasia.com/articles/105/EXERCISE-HAN-KUANG-27-IN-TAIWAN |archive-date=16 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> in the annual Han Kuang joint-force exercises.<ref name="brookings.edu">{{cite web |author=Dr. Alexander Chieh-cheng Huang |url=http://www.brookings.edu/research/opinions/2010/02/taiwan-defense-huang |title=The United States and Taiwan's Defense Transformation &#124; Brookings Institution |publisher=Brookings.edu |date=19 October 2011 |access-date=25 April 2013 |archive-date=24 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224110627/http://www.brookings.edu/research/opinions/2010/02/taiwan-defense-huang |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Think tanks===
Taiwan's political system has evolved in terms of increasing political liberalization. By the 1990s, Taiwan had a democratic system with multiparty competition, factionalism, a vigorous civil society, and many interest groups. Think tanks emerged because of the high prestige of expertise and the heavy demand for unofficial diplomacy necessitated by the loss of formal diplomatic recognition. Think tanks have played a major role in planning and operationalizing relations with countries around the world.<ref>Pascal Abb and Alan Hao Yang,  "The impact of democratization, political culture, and diplomatic isolation on think-tank development in Taiwan." ''[[Pacific Affairs]]'', [[University of British Columbia]]. 91.1 (2018): 73–94.</ref>

European universities, research centers, and think tanks have developed a new academic field of Taiwan studies, especially in Europe, because of the unique status of Taiwan in the world's diplomatic system. The scholars involved have a deep commitment to Taiwan studies and have developed a Europe-wide network of scholars.<ref>Hardina Ohlendorf, "Building a New Academic Field: The Institutionalisation of Taiwan Studies in Europe"  ''International Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies''. (2017) 13#2 pp. 115–140  [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hardina_Ohlendorf/publication/318446597_Building_a_New_Academic_Field_The_Institutionalisation_of_Taiwan_Studies_in_Europe/links/5a538eafa6fdccf3e2df832e/Building-a-New-Academic-Field-The-Institutionalisation-of-Taiwan-Studies-in-Europe.pdf online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407023958/https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hardina_Ohlendorf/publication/318446597_Building_a_New_Academic_Field_The_Institutionalisation_of_Taiwan_Studies_in_Europe/links/5a538eafa6fdccf3e2df832e/Building-a-New-Academic-Field-The-Institutionalisation-of-Taiwan-Studies-in-Europe.pdf |date=7 April 2020 }}</ref>