The One China Problem? - The Diplomatic Recognition of the Republic of China

Abstract: Why have some countries decided to recognize Taiwan despite majority of the countries maintain official ties with China? The thesis aims to investigate the reasons behind (non) recognition of Taiwan. In order to answer to the research question, the research applies a comparative case study looking at the United States and Guatemala and their actions towards Taiwan and what could explain them. Through the comparative case study of the US and Guatemala, this thesis has shown that, instead of solely one factor, the recognition of Taiwan is influenced by a complex set of factors that include economic interests, political ideology, and strategic considerations. The research demonstrates how Guatemala has maintained extraordinarily strong ties with Taiwan and why the US has a great interest to support Taiwan but refrains from officially recognizing it. The findings illustrate that the US Taiwan policy reflects its geopolitical interests, in maintaining a strong economic relationship with China but simultaneously containing China's power. Finally, this research provides evidence for the significance of the constructivist theory in understanding the dynamics of international relations and the role of small states in shaping global politics.