Taiwanese Public Perceptions of Diplomatic Recognition: an Experimental Analysis

Abstract

Abstract What explains public support for Taiwan’s diplomatic recognition efforts? A sizable literature addresses the role of China and ‘dollar diplomacy’ in influencing countries to recognise Taiwan, yet little research addresses how these factors potentially influence Taiwanese public perceptions of efforts to maintain formal diplomatic recognition. Through four waves of an experimental survey design, we find that Taiwanese are more supportive of efforts when framed in terms of responding to China but support decreases when efforts are framed as potentially leading to increased demands for international aid from diplomatic partners.