Qatar–Taiwan relations

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Qatar–Taiwan relations

Qatar
Taiwan

Qatar–Taiwan relations refer to the bilateral relations between the Qatar (officially the State of Qatar) and Taiwan (officially the Republic of China). Qatar does not maintain formal diplomatic recognition of Taiwan; nevertheless, the two countries have developed practical economic links—most notably a long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) agreement—and have periodically been involved in political or media controversies concerning Taiwan's international status.

History

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There is no public record of formal diplomatic recognition between Qatar and Taiwan. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not listed Qatar among its formal diplomatic allies.[1]

Representative offices

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  • Taiwan does not maintain an embassy or representative office in Doha publicly acknowledged at the diplomatic level.
  • Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry jurisdictional responsibilities indicate that its office in Saudi Arabia (Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office) covers Qatar among other Middle Eastern countries in practice.[2]

Economic relations

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A major recent development in Qatar–Taiwan economic relations is a long-term energy deal. In June 2024, Qatar signed a 27-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreement with Taiwan’s state energy company CPC Corporation (台灣中油), under which Qatar will supply four million tonnes of LNG per year.[3]

Political and symbolic disputes

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Several controversies involving naming or recognition have arisen:

  • In 2022, during preparations for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Taiwan objected to being referred to as "Taiwan, Province of China" in the Hayya card application system, which serves as an entry identification/visa card.[4][5] The next day, the site replaced that designation with simply "Taiwan", including the Taiwanese flag.[6]
  • There has also been public reporting raising concerns about Taiwan's dependence on Qatar for LNG imports, especially in view of energy security risk, with analysts warning that Qatar could be subject to external pressure from China to stop their supply in case of war.[7][8]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "MOFA regrets Qatar name change". Taipei Times. 22 June 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
  2. ^ West Asia Area, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Republic of China)
  3. ^ "Qatar signs 27-year gas supply deal with Taiwan's CPC". Taipei Times. 6 June 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
  4. ^ Qarjouli, Asmahan (15 June 2022). "Taiwan condemns Qatar for 'unacceptable' World Cup labelling". Doha News. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
  5. ^ "Taiwan condemns Qatar for 'politicising' World Cup amid China spat". Reuters. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
  6. ^ "Qatar changes World Cup app labelling for Taiwan following complaint". Doha News. 16 June 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
  7. ^ "China could exploit Qatari LNG supply: think tank". Taipei Times. 9 September 2025. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
  8. ^ Chung, Lawrence (14 September 2025). "Taiwan faces 'dangerous possibility' as it relies on Qatar and others for energy". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 12 September 2025.