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The main framework for the relations between the European Union (EU) and Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), is the EU's 'one China' policy, which essentially means that Taiwan cannot be treated as a sovereign state by the European Union, as the EU has diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. For the EU, its 'one China' policy implies that the EU does not support Taiwan's applications for international organisations that require sovereignty as a membership criterion. However, even with this policy, it is impossible to negate the existence of Taiwan and how it operates independently from the PRC, highlighted by Taiwan's extensive foreign trade relations with the EU as well as with other countries in the world and its democratic political system. Therefore it is paramount to look beyond the EU's 'one China' policy in order to understand the EU attitude towards Taiwan's participation in international organizations.This chapter therefore aims to analyze normative policy goals, interests, or realist considerations shaped the EU's policy towards Taiwan's bids for participation in three international organizations, the World Trade Organization, the World Health Organization and the United Nations.

In 2002 Taiwan became a member of the World Trade Organization. Although its accession process was guided by pragmatism, once it had entered the trade body sovereignty concerns came to the fore. This article analyses the relationship in the Taiwan-China-EU triangle during Taiwan's accession to and membership of the WTO. While Taiwan is now more ready to use the WTO as a platform in its quest for international status, the behaviour patterns of the EU and China have largely remained static. The EU is interested in the economic benefits of improved relations with Taiwan, but avoids getting involved in the sovereignty conflict. China, meanwhile, tries to prevent a status gain by Taiwan in the international community.