Home: Facts About Taiwan: Is Taiwan Part of China

Is Taiwan Part of China?

Many people say Taiwan is not a part of China.

The Chinese government says that the island of Taiwan is a province that belongs to the PRC.

I personally have no opinion on that matter.

When people ask me: "So... What is Taiwan? Is it a country? Is it a province of China?" I always answer... "It's an island close to China."

Important Notes:

Taiwan's official name is Republic of China, or R.O.C.
China's official name is People's Republic of China, or P.R.C.
China is often referred to as "The Mainland" or "Mainland China".

1- Different travel visas.

If you want to travel to Taiwan you need to apply for a Taiwanese visa at one of the trade offices located outside the island. Because of pressure from China, most countries don't allow Taiwanese embassies or consulates to be established.

You need a Chinese visa to travel to Mainland China. You cannot travel to Taiwan with a Chinese visa, or vice versa.

2- Different Passports

Taiwan and China have different passports. Taiwan's passport says Republic of China on the cover page. China's passport says People's Republic of China.

3- China is part of The United Nations. Taiwan isn't.

China has been blocking Taiwan's entry into the United Nations and other international organizations such as the World Health Organization for many years.

4- The Olympics: 2 countries... 2 different names

Taiwan is usually called Chinese Taipei in major sporting events such as the Olympics. It's very confusing and misleading. For most people who watch those games, Chinese Taipei must obviously mean China, but it doesn't. The Chinese Taipei team should actually be called "Taiwan".

5- Both countries have their own federal capitals.

China's capital is Beijing. Taiwan's capital is Taipei. Taipei has been the capital of Taiwan since 1885. Before that, Tainan was the nation's capital.

6- Taiwan and China have different money.

Taiwan's currency is called the New Taiwan Dollar. The currency code is TWD and the most common abreviation is TW$.

China's currency is called the Renminbi, which means: "people's currency". The currency code is CNY and the most common abbreviation is RMB.

7- National Sovereignty

The government of the R.O.C., based in Taipei, has had full authority and control over the island of Taiwan since 1949, when the nationalists (KMT) escaped the mainland after being defeated by the communists. Chinese planes, ships or submarines cannot come into Taiwan's waters or airspace.