---
title: "Taiwan Definition and Overview | Model Diplomat"
description: "Taiwan is an island governed by the Republic of China since 1945, claimed by China. Discover its historical context and significance in diplomacy."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/taiwan"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Taiwan is an island administered by the Republic of China since 1945, claimed by the People's Republic of China as an inalienable part of its territory under the One-China principle.
- What is the difference between the One-China principle and the One-China policy?
- What did UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 (1971) decide regarding Taiwan?
- What is the legal basis of PRC and US positions on Taiwan?
- What is the 1992 Consensus and why is it contested?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Go beyond the definition

## Research Taiwan like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Timeline

1. 1 October 1949

   The People's Republic of China, established on , claims sovereignty over Taiwan under its One-China principle and the Anti-Secession Law (2005), which author…

2. 1 January 1979

   The United States switched recognition from Taipei to Beijing on , governing relations thereafter through the Taiwan Relations Act (1979), the Three Joint Co…

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about Taiwan

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on Taiwan](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20Taiwan%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In August 2022, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei, prompting the People's Liberation Army to launch its largest-ever military exercises encircling Taiwan and to suspend several dialogue channels with Washington.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

Lessons

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[China Foreign Policy](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/china-foreign-policy)[China Modern History](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/china-modern-history)

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## Take Taiwan beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.