evidence: A short history of Taiwan and China, in maps The Chinese Communist Party’s obsession with the island is about more than just territory JUST 12 STATES recognise Taiwan’s government. Others all have relations with the Chinese government in Beijing, and so at least tacitly accept its argument that there is only one China, of which Taiwan is a part. To refer to Taiwan they use purposely vague language, such as "self-governing island". Even the Taiwanese tread carefully around the subject of their independence—after all, China has warned that a declaration of independence would be grounds for invasion. Our eight maps below explain the foundation of Taiwan and its changing relationship with the mainland.