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| Capital city: |
Taipei |
| Surface area: |
36,000 sq km |
| Population: |
23.2 million |
| Official language(s): |
Mandarin |
| President: |
Ma Ying-jeou
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| Premier: |
Wu Den-Yih |
| Australian exports to Taiwan: |
A$8,145 million |
| Australian imports from Taiwan: |
A$4,089 million |
| Taiwan's principal export destinations: |
China, Hong Kong, USA |
| Taiwan's principal import sources: |
Japan, China, USA |
(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)
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Economic climate
Taiwan, as small, export-orientated economy, has been hit heavily by the global economic downturn, and is officially in recession. Taiwan has experienced a significant decline in exports in its major export industries, such as semiconductors, memory chips and electronic machinery, and to its major export markets, China and the United States.
In response, the Taiwan government has announced a series of stimulus packages since late 2008. The packages include funding for public infrastructure works, urban renewal projects, employment and labour support programs, and shopping vouchers for Taiwan consumers. (Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country brief).
For further information and the latest key economic indicators and statistics, please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)
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The central government consists of the Office of the President and five branches – the Executive Yuan, Legislative Yuan, Judicial Yuan, Examination Yuan and Control Yuan. The President, as Head of State, has command of the armed forces and the authority to promulgate laws under the 'Constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan)'.
For further information please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country brief.
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Trade relations and statistics
Australia does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Australia’s relations with Taiwan are unofficial. However, lack of diplomatic relations has not prevented the development of a broad based and healthy relationship, especially in economic areas. In 1972, when Australia recognised the People's Republic of China (or mainland China as it is known in Taiwan), official relations with Taipei were severed. This is by no means unusual – there are around 150 other countries that recognise Beijing and not Taipei. As at September 2007, Taiwan has diplomatic relations with 24 countries.
Please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet for key trade statistics.
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