What is the One China policy?

• A. There is only one China, Taiwan is part of it, with other countries maintaining unofficial relations with Taiwan
• B. Taiwan is an independent country recognized by many
• C. China recognizes Taiwan as a separate state
• D. Taiwan is a de facto country with full UN membership

Answer: (A)

One China policy says there is only one Chinese sovereign entity and Taiwan is part of China. Because of this, countries do not establish formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan; they recognize the government in Beijing as the legitimate government of all China, while they may keep unofficial, non-diplomatic ties with Taiwan for things like trade and cultural exchanges. This is why many states formally recognize PRC and still interact with Taiwan on a non-official basis.

The other descriptions describe Taiwan as an independent country or as a full UN member, or recognize Taiwan as separate from China in official diplomacy—none of which fits the One China approach, which centers on the single Chinese state and Taiwan’s non-official status in foreign relations.