One-China Policy

The One-China policy is the diplomatic framework under which states maintain official relations with the People’s Republic of China, rather than with Taiwan as a separate state. It restricts Taiwan’s diplomatic recognition, but national formulations differ on whether they merely acknowledge or expressly accept Beijing’s claim over Taiwan.

Policy and principle

Beijing’s One-China principle holds that there is only one China, Taiwan is part of it, and the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing China. Other countries’ One-China policies are not identical: many recognize the PRC as China’s government while using carefully worded positions on Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Consequences for Taiwan’s international status

The policy leaves Taiwan with an unusual position: it possesses de facto self-government, including its own elected authorities, administration and armed forces, but has limited formal recognition as a sovereign state.

• Most states maintain official diplomatic relations with Beijing and conduct relations with Taiwan through unofficial or functional channels.
• UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 (1971) recognized the PRC’s representatives as the only legitimate representatives of China at the United Nations and expelled the representatives of Chiang Kai-shek.
• The resolution settled China’s representation at the United Nations, but its text did not expressly determine Taiwan’s sovereignty.
• Taiwan participates in some international bodies and arrangements under special designations, such as Chinese Taipei, where membership rules permit.

India’s approach

India maintains diplomatic relations with the PRC and does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Since 1995, interactions have been conducted through the India-Taipei Association in Taipei and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India, enabling economic, cultural and people-to-people engagement without formal recognition.