Editing Openai/695682c0-1360-800f-8339-5bd0332d2eb8 (section)

=== Assistant: Short answer: it depends on perspective, and that’s why this topic is politically sensitive. ===
Short answer: it depends on perspective, and that’s why this topic is politically sensitive.

===== The status of Taiwan (neutral explanation) =====

In practice (de facto):
* Taiwan governs itself.
* It has its own government, military, constitution, courts, elections, passport, and currency.
* It operates under the name Republic of China (ROC).
* By most practical definitions, it functions like an independent country.

In international law & diplomacy (de jure):
* People's Republic of China (PRC) claims Taiwan as part of China.
* The PRC insists on the “One China” policy.
* Because of this pressure, most countries do not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state, even if they maintain close unofficial relations.
* Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations.

===== Recognition reality (simplified) =====
* Around a dozen countries formally recognize Taiwan.
* Major powers (US, EU countries, Japan, etc.) do not officially recognize Taiwan, but: - Trade with it - Sell arms to it - Treat it as a separate system in practice

===== So… is Taiwan an independent country? =====
* Factually / practically: yes, it operates independently.
* Legally / diplomatically (globally): contested and mostly not recognized.
* Politically: extremely sensitive.

A common neutral phrasing used by governments and media is:

: “Taiwan is a self-governing entity with disputed international status.”

If you want, I can also explain:
* why this situation exists historically (civil war background),
* how this affects travel, passports, and visas,
* or how Germany / the EU / the US officially phrase Taiwan’s status.