The democratic world generally agrees to all the adjectives describing Taiwan . It is indeed a “ great economy ,” ranking 21st in the World Bank ’ s list of “ high-income ” jurisdictions , with a GDP estimated at $ 828.66 billion . Based on the bank ’ s projection , Taiwan ’ s economy will cross the $ 1 trillion mark by 2027 .

However , its fiddly political status presents an awkward posture in the diplomatic landscape , where Taiwan ’ s status as a “ country ” remains in limbo .

As a result of China ’ s strong-arm tactics , Taiwan ’ s diplomatic map has shrunken to 12 — which does not include the United States .

As a U . S . territory with no foreign affairs autonomy , Guam is in no position to recognize Taiwan as a “ country .” In 2009 , then Gov . Felix Camacho stirred controversy when he took an official delegation to Taipei for what he referred to as a “ state visit .”

The U . S . State Department dropped the word “ country ” from its travel advisory notice for Taiwan in July 2023 . The travel advisory previously directed users to a “ country information page ” for Taiwan , but the website now lists a “ Taiwan international travel information ” page .

Washington has complex triangular relations with China and Taiwan . While adhering to one-China policy , Washington maintains what policy experts call “ strategic ambiguity ” toward Taiwan .

The U . S . is one of Taiwan ’ s most important allies and its shield against Beijing ’ s diplomatic and military harassment . Their relations are sealed through the Taiwan Relations Act and the “ Six Assurances ,” which guarantee among others that , “ The United States would not consult with China in advance before making decisions about U . S . arms sales to Taiwan .”

At the same time , however , Washington skates on thin ice with its relations with Beijing , which it considers “ the most challenging competitor ” in the Indo-Pacific region . In January , President Biden said the United States does not support Taiwan ’ s independence , but pledged to come to its defense in the event of China ’ s invasion .

Taiwan struggles to emerge from its alienation . Though a member of approximately 70 international organizations , including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the World Trade Organization , Taiwan has no seat in the United Nations .

While applauded for its successful control of the Covid-19 transmissions in the country , Taiwan was not called on to get on board with the global battle against the pandemic . Its aggressive net-zero initiatives addressing climate change have been generally overlooked as well .

On the home front , while Guam ’ s bond with Taiwan is anchored on their oft-repeated cultural connections , China presents a nexus to their geopolitical fates as well .

Home to 23 million people , Taiwan is located in what is known as the “ first island chain ,” which comprises U . S . -friendly territories , including Guam , that are crucial to U . S . foreign policy . In the event of conflict with China , Guam will be the launch pad for defense and missile response . Hence , their security fates are knotted together .

“ Country ” misnomer aside , Guam ’ s friendly relations with Taiwan offer comfort amid its international isolation .

“ We are about being peaceful . We are a community of harmony ,” the governor said . “ We cannot survive as an island or a country if we are not peaceful and harmonious with each other .”

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Mar-Vic Cagurangan publisher @ pacificislandtimes . com

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