Denmark–Taiwan relations

Denmark–Taiwan relations or ROC-Danish relations are foreign relations between Denmark and the Republic of China (ROC, commonly known as "Taiwan"). While Denmark only recognizes the People's Republic of China (PRC, commonly known as "China"), it maintains an informal trade council in Taipei. Taiwan maintains an informal representative office in Copenhagen. In 2005, both countries signed a tax treaty.

History

Sino–Danish contacts began in 1674. Denmark and the Qing dynasty established relations in 1908.

On 9 January 1950, Denmark became one of the first European countries to recognize the PRC. While Denmark has continued to maintain unofficial relations with Taiwan, they have primarily been related to trade, culture, science and economic affairs.

Political relations

The Danish People's Party's chairwoman, Pia Kjaersgaard, said that the friendship with Taiwan in the Folketing would help the understanding between Taiwan and Denmark. The Danish People's Party supports the restoration of the ROC's United Nations membership, and also supports seeing Taiwan joining the World Health Organization.

Trade

In 1993, trade between Denmark and Taiwan amounted to US$206.5 million.
Trade between Denmark and Taiwan has shown steady growth. From 2000 to 2005, it grew at the average annual growth rate of 15%, which makes Denmark Taiwan's most promising trade partner in Europe. In 2006, trade between the countries set a new record, at US$907.8 million. Denmark's major imports from Taiwan are mobile phones, bicycles and computer-related products. Taiwan's major imports from Denmark are wind turbines, machinery and medical instruments. Danish companies operating in Taiwan include Bang & Olufsen, Danfoss, Lego and Maersk.

Science and technology

The Danish Technical Research Council and Taiwan's National Science Council signed an agreement in 2001 on cooperative research projects.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Denmark-Taiwan relations
Taiwan
Bilateral relations of Taiwan