De facto embassy

A de facto embassy is an office or organisation that serves de facto as an embassy in the absence of normal or official diplomatic relations among countries (thus paradiplomacy); usually, to represent nations which lack full diplomatic recognition, regions or dependencies of countries, or territories over which sovereignty is disputed. In some cases, diplomatic immunity and extraterritoriality may be granted.^[1]

Alternatively, states which have broken off direct bilateral ties will be represented by an "interests section" housed as part of the embassy of a third country recognised by both states. These are often staffed by diplomats from the third country, for example, the Director of the United States Interests Section of the Polish Embassy in Iraq, Krzysztof Bernacki, was a Polish diplomat.^[2]

However, subject to the agreement of the host country, an interests section may be staffed by diplomats from the country represented, as in the case of the former United States Interests Section in Havana, which, from 1977 to 2015, was headed by US diplomats, the last of whom, Jeffrey DeLaurentis, became the first chargé d'affaires of the re-established Embassy.^[3]

Taiwan

Foreign missions in Taiwan

Many countries maintain formal diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China but operate unofficial "trade missions" or "representative offices" in Taipei to deal with Taiwan-related commercial and consular issues. Often, these delegations may forward visa applications to their nearest embassy or consulate rather than processing them locally.^[4]

When the United States ended diplomatic relations with Taipei in 1979, it established a non-governmental body known as the American Institute in Taiwan, to serve its interests on the island. By contrast, other countries were represented by privately operated bodies; the United Kingdom was informally represented by the "Anglo-Taiwan Trade Committee", while France was similarly represented by a "Trade Office".^[5]

These were later renamed the "British Trade and Cultural Office" and "French Institute" respectively, and, were headed by career diplomats on secondment, rather than being operated by chambers of commerce or trade departments.^[5]

France now maintains a "French Office in Taipei", with cultural, consular and economic sections,^[6] while the "British Office"^[7] and German Institute Taipei^[8] perform similar functions on behalf of the United Kingdom and Germany.

Other countries which have broken off diplomatic relations with Taiwan also established de facto missions. Since 1972, Japan has been represented by the "Interchange Association, Japan", headed by personnel "on leave" from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.^[9] Similarly, in 1975, the Philippines established the "Asian Exchange Center", replacing its former Embassy.^[10] This was renamed the "Manila Economic and Cultural Office" in 1989.^[11]

Australia ended formal diplomatic relations in 1972, but did not establish an "Australian Commerce and Industry Office" until 1981.^[12] This was under control of the Australian Chamber of Commerce.^[13] It was renamed the "Australian Office in Taipei" in 2012.^[14] By contrast, New Zealand, which also ended formal diplomatic relations in 1972, did not establish the "New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office" in Taipei until 1989.^[15]

South Korea, which broke off diplomatic relations in 1992, has been represented by the "Korean Mission in Taipei" since 1993.^[16] South Africa, which ended diplomatic ties in 1998, is represented by the "Liaison Office of the Republic of South Africa".^[17]

India, which has always had diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, established an "India-Taipei Association" in 1995, which is also authorised to provide consular and passport services.^[18]

Singapore, despite its close ties with Taiwan, did not establish formal diplomatic relations, although it was the last ASEAN country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, in 1990.^[19] Consequently, it only established a "Trade Representative Office" in Taipei in 1979, which was renamed the "Singapore Trade Office in Taipei" in 1990.^[20]

Taiwan missions in other countries

Similarly, Taiwan maintains "representative offices" in other countries, which handle visa applications as well as relations with local authorities.^[21] These establishments use the term "Taipei" instead of "Taiwan" or "Republic of China" since the term "Taipei" avoids implying that Taiwan is a separate country from the People's Republic of China or that there are "Two Chinas", both of which would cause difficulties for their host countries.

In 2007, for example, the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, confirmed that Ireland recognised the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China, and that while the Taipei Representative Office in Dublin had a representative function in relation to economic and cultural promotion, it had no diplomatic or political status.^[22]

Before the 1990s, the names of these offices would vary considerably from country to country. For example, in the United States, Taipei's mission was known as the "Coordination Council for North American Affairs" (CCNAA),^[23] in Japan as the "Association of East Asian Relations" (AEAR),^[10] in the Philippines as the "Pacific Economic and Cultural Center"^[10] and in the United Kingdom as the "Free Chinese Centre".^[24]

However, in May 1992, the AEAR offices in Japan became Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Offices,^[25] as did the "Free Chinese Centre" in London.^[26] In September 1994, the Clinton Administration announced that the CCNAA office in Washington could similarly be called the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office.^[27]

Earlier in 1989, the "Pacific Economic and Cultural Center" in Manila became the "Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines".^[11] In 1991, the "Taiwan Marketing Service" office in Canberra, Australia, established in 1988, also became a "Taipei Economic and Cultural Office", along with the "Far East Trading Company" offices in Sydney and Melbourne.^[28]

Other names are still used elsewhere; for example, the mission in Moscow is formally known as the "Representative Office in Moscow for the Taipei-Moscow Economic and Cultural Coordination Commission",^[29] the mission in New Delhi is known as the "Taipei Economic and Cultural Center".^[30] while the mission in Pretoria is known as the "Taipei Liaison Office".^[31]

In Papua New Guinea and Fiji, the local missions are known as the "Trade Mission of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Papua New Guinea"^[32] and "Trade Mission of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Republic of Fiji"^[33] respectively, despite both countries having diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. The Taipei Representative Office in Singapore was similarly known as the "Trade Mission of the Republic of China" until 1990.^[20]

In addition, Taiwan maintains "Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices" in Hong Kong and Macau, both Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China. Previously, Taiwan was represented in Hong Kong by the "Chung Hwa Travel Service", established in 1966.^[34] In Macau it was represented by the "Taipei Trade and Tourism Office", established in 1989, renamed the "Taipei Trade and Cultural Office" in 1999.^[35]

In May 2011, the "Chung Hwa Travel Service" was renamed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong, and in May 2012, the "Taipei Trade and Cultural Office" became the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Macau.^[36]

Relations between Taiwan and China are conducted through two quasi-official organisations, the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) in Taipei, and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) in Beijing.^[37] In 2012, the two organisations' chairmen, Lin Join-sane and Chen Yunlin announced talks on opening reciprocal representative offices, but did not commit to a timetable or reach an agreement.^[38]

In 2013, President Ma Ying-jeou outlined plans to establish three SEF representative offices in China, with the ARATS establishing representative offices in Taiwan.^[39] The opposition Democratic Progressive Party expressed fears that China could use the offices as a channel for intelligence gathering in Taiwan, while China expressed concerns that they could be used as possible gathering areas for student demonstrators.^[40]

Disputed territories

Northern Cyprus

As the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, declared in 1983, is only recognised as an independent state by Turkey, it is represented in other countries by "Representative Offices", most notably in London, Washington, New York, Brussels, Islamabad, Abu Dhabi and Baku.^[41]

West Germany and East Germany

Prior to the reunification of Germany, West and East Germany were represented by "permanent missions",^[42] in Bonn and East Berlin respectively, headed by "permanent representatives", who served as de facto ambassadors.^[43] These were established under Article 8 of the Basic Treaty in 1972.^[44]

Previously, West Germany had always claimed to represent the whole of Germany, reflected in the Hallstein Doctrine, which prescribed that the Federal Republic would not establish or maintain diplomatic relations with any state that recognised the GDR.^[45] This opposition even extended to East Germany being allowed to open trade missions in countries such as India, which Bonn viewed as de facto recognition of the government in East Berlin.^[46]

However, the GDR operated unofficial missions in Western countries, such as Britain, where "KfA Ltd", an agency of the Kammer für Außenhandel, or Department of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was established in 1959.^[47] By the early 1970s, this had begun to function as a de facto East German embassy in London, including diplomats on its staff.^[48]

Although after 1973, West Germany no longer asserted an exclusive mandate over the whole of Germany, it did not consider East Germany to be a "foreign" country. Instead of being conducted through the Foreign Office, relations were conducted through a separate Federal Ministry for Intra-German Relations, known until 1969 as the Federal Ministry of All-German Affairs.^[49]

By contrast, East Germany did consider West Germany a completely separate country, meaning that while the East German mission in Bonn was accredited to the West German Chancellery, its West German counterpart in East Berlin was accredited to East Germany's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.^[50]

Rhodesia after UDI

Following its Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) in 1965, Rhodesia maintained overseas missions in Lisbon and Lourenço Marques (now Maputo) until 1975^[51] and an "Accredited Diplomatic Representative" in Pretoria.^[52] The Rhodesian Information Office in Washington remained open, but its director, Ken Towsey, and his staff were deprived of their diplomatic status.^[53] (Following the country's independence as Zimbabwe, Towsey became chargé d'affaires at the new Embassy.)^[54]

The High Commission in London, known as Rhodesia House, continued to function until it was closed in 1969, following the decision by white Rhodesians in a referendum to make the country a republic, along with the British Residual Mission in Salisbury.^[56] Prior to its closure, the mission flew the newly adopted Flag of Rhodesia, considered illegal by the Foreign Office, prompting calls by Labour MP Willie Hamilton for its removal.^[55]

In Australia, the federal government in Canberra sought to close the Rhodesian Information Centre in Sydney.^[57] However, it remained open, operating under the jurisdiction of the state of New South Wales.^[58] In 1973, the Labor government of Gough Whitlam cut post and telephone links to the Centre, but this was ruled illegal by the High Court.^[59] An office was also established in Paris, but this was closed down by the French government in 1977.^[60]

Similarly, the United States recalled its consul-general from Salisbury, and reduced consular staff,^[61] but did not move to close its consulate until the declaration of a republic in 1970.^[62] South Africa, however, retained its "Accredited Diplomatic Representative" after UDI,^[63] which allowed it to continue to recognise British sovereignty as well as to deal with the de facto authority of the government of Ian Smith.^[64]

The self-styled "South African Diplomatic Mission" in Salisbury became the only such mission remaining in the country after 1975,^[65] when Portugal downgraded its mission to consul level,^[66] having recalled its consul-general in Salisbury in May 1970.^[67]

Bophuthatswana

Bophuthatswana, one of four nominally independent "homelands" created by South Africa under apartheid, was not recognised as an independent state by any other country.^[68] Consequently, it only had diplomatic relations with Pretoria, which maintained an embassy in Mmabatho, its capital.^[69] However, it established representative offices internationally, including London^[70] and Tel Aviv.^[71]

The opening of "Bophuthatswana House" in Holland Park in London in 1982, attended by the homeland's President, Lucas Mangope, prompted demonstrations by the Anti-Apartheid Movement, and while the British government gave Mangope a special travel document to enter the United Kingdom, it refused to accord the mission diplomatic status.^[72]

In 1985, a "Bophuthatswana House" was opened in Tel Aviv, in a building on HaYarkon Street next to the British Embassy.^[73] Despite the objections of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the homeland's flag was flown from the building.^[74]

Following the end of apartheid and the reincorporation of the homeland into South Africa, the Bophuthatswana government properties were acquired by the new South African government and sold.^[75]

China in Hong Kong and Macau

When Hong Kong was under British administration, China did not establish a consulate in what it considered to be part of its national territory.^[76] However, the Communist government of the People's Republic of China in Beijing, and its predecessor, the Kuomintang government of the Republic of China in Nanjing established de facto representation in the colony.

While the Nationalist government had negotiated with the British regarding the appointment of a Consul-General in Hong Kong in 1945, it decided against such an appointment, with its representative in the colony, T W Kwok (Kuo Teh-hua) instead being styled "Special Commissioner for Hong Kong".^[77] This was in addition to his role as Nanjing's Special Commissioner for Guangdong and Guangxi.^[78] Disagreements also arose with the British authorities, with the Governor, Alexander Grantham, opposing an office building for the "Commissioner for Foreign Affairs of the Provinces of Kwantung and Kuangsi" being erected on the site of the Walled City in Kowloon.^[79] In 1950, following British recognition of the People's Republic of China, the office of the Special Commissioner was closed and Kwok withdrawn.^[80]

In 1956, the Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai requested the opening of a representative office in Hong Kong, but this also was opposed by Grantham, who advised the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Alan Lennox-Boyd in 1957 that it would a) give "an aura of respectability" to pro-Communist elements, b) have "a deplorable effect" on the morale of Chinese in Hong Kong, c) give the impression to friendly countries that Britain was retreating from the colony, d) that there would be no end to the claims of the Chinese representative as to what constituted his functions, and e) become a target for Kuomintang and other anti-communist activities.^[81]

Consequently, the People's Republic of China was only represented unofficially in Hong Kong by the Xinhua News Agency Hong Kong Branch, which had been operating in the colony since 1945.^[82] In addition to being a bona fide news agency, Xinhua also served as cover for the "underground" local branch of the Chinese Communist Party^[83] known as the Hong Kong and Macau Work Committee (HKMWC).^[84] It also opened additional district branches on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories in 1985 to expand its influence.^[85]

Despite its unofficial status, the directors of the Xinhua Hong Kong Branch included high-ranking former diplomats such as Zhou Nan, former Ambassador to the United Nations and Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, who later negotiated the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the future of Hong Kong.^[86] His predecessor, Xu Jiatun, was also vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Basic Law Drafting Committee, before fleeing to the United States in response to the military crackdown on the Tiananmen Square protests, where he went into exile.^[87]

On 18 January 2000, after the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong, the branch office of Xinhua became the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.^[88]

When Macau was under Portuguese administration, the People's Republic of China was unofficially represented by the Nanguang trading company.^[89] This later became known as China Central Enterprise Nam Kwong (Group).^[90] Established in 1949, officially to promote trade ties between Macau and mainland China, it operated as the unofficial representative and "shadow government" of the People's Republic in relation to the Portuguese administration.^[91]

It also served to challenge the rival "Special Commissariat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China" in the territory, which represented the Kuomintang government on Taiwan.^[91] This was closed after the pro-Communist 12-3 incident in 1966, after which the Portuguese authorities agreed to ban all Kuomintang activities in Macau.^[92] Following the Carnation Revolution, Portugal redefined Macau as a "Chinese territory under Portuguese administration" in 1976.^[93] However, Lisbon did not establish diplomatic relations with Beijing until 1979.^[94]

In 1984, Nam Kwong was split into political and trading arms.^[95] On 21 September 1987, a Macau branch of Xinhua News Agency was established which, as in Hong Kong, became Beijing's unofficial representative, replacing Nam Kwong.^[96] On 18 January 2000, a month after the transfer of sovereignty over Macau, the Macau branch became the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macau Special Administrative Region.^[97]

Tibet

The Tibet Religious Foundation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been called "the de facto embassy of the exiled government in Taiwan" by Taipei Times chief staff reporter Loa lok sin.^[98]

Regions

Hong Kong

Due to Hong Kong's status as a Special Administrative Region, foreign diplomatic missions there function independently of their embassies in Beijing, reporting directly to their foreign ministries.^[99][100] For example, the United States Consulate General reports to the Department of State with the Consul General as the "Chief of Mission".^[101]

Similarly, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices enjoy some privileges and immunities equivalent to those of a diplomatic mission under legislation passed by host countries such as the United Kingdom,^[102] Canada^[103] and Australia.^[104] Under British administration, they were known as Hong Kong Government Offices, and were headed by a Commissioner.^[105][106]

When Hong Kong was under British administration, diplomatic missions of Commonwealth countries, such as Australia,^[107] Bangladesh^[108] Canada,^[109] India,^[110] Malaysia,^[111] New Zealand^[112] Nigeria^[113] and Singapore^[114] maintained Commissions. However, the Australian Commission was renamed the Consulate-General in 1986.^[115] Following the transfer of sovereignty to China in 1997, the remaining Commissions were renamed Consulates-General.^[116] with the last Commissioner becoming Consul-General.^[117]

Montenegro

Prior to achieving full independence in 2006, Montenegro effectively ran its own foreign policy independently of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Union of Serbia and Montenegro, with a Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Podgorica and trade missions abroad operating as de facto embassies.^[118]

Dependent territories

Commonwealth of Nations

Historically, in British colonies, independent Commonwealth countries were represented by Commissions, which functioned independently of their High Commissions in London. For example, Canada,^[119] Australia^[120] and New Zealand^[121] maintained Commissions in Singapore, while following its independence in 1947, India established Commissions in Kenya,^[122] Trinidad and Tobago,^[123] and Mauritius^[124] which became High Commissions on independence. Canada still has a commissioner to Bermuda, although this post is held by the consul-general to New York City.^[125][126]

Southern Rhodesia

Southern Rhodesia, uniquely among British colonies, was represented in London by a High Commission from 1923, while the British government was represented by a High Commission in Salisbury from 1951.^[127] Following the Unilateral Declaration of Independence in 1965, when the British High Commissioner was withdrawn^[128] and the Rhodesian High Commissioner requested to leave London, both High Commissions were downgraded to residual missions before being closed down in 1970.^[129]

The self-governing colony also established a High Commission in Pretoria, following the decision of the then Union of South Africa to establish one in Salisbury, which, after South Africa's withdrawal from the Commonwealth in 1961, was renamed the "South African Diplomatic Mission" with the High Commissioner becoming the "Accredited Diplomatic Representative".^[127] Southern Rhodesia, which briefly became part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, was also able to establish its own consulate in Lourenço Marques (now Maputo) in Mozambique.^[130] In addition, it also had a "Minister for Rhodesian Affairs" in Washington, DC operating under the aegis of the British Embassy,^[131] as well representatives in Tokyo and Bonn.^[132]

During 1965, the government of Rhodesia, as the colony now called itself, made moves to establish a mission in Lisbon separate from the British Embassy, with its own accredited representative, prompting protests from the British government, which was determined that the representative, Harry Reedman, should be a nominal member of the British Ambassador's staff.^[133] For their part, the Portuguese authorities sought a compromise whereby they would accept Reedman as an independent representative but deny him diplomatic status.^[134]

Trade missions

South Africa and neighbouring countries

Under apartheid, South Africa maintained trade missions in neighbouring countries, with which it did not have diplomatic relations, such as Zimbabwe,^[135] where, following the country's independence, the "South African Diplomatic Mission" in Salisbury (now Harare) was closed.^[136] A trade mission was also established in Maputo, Mozambique,^[137] in 1984, nine years after the South African consulate was closed following independence in 1975.^[138]

Similarly, Mauritius maintained a trade mission in Johannesburg, the country's commercial capital,^[139] as did Zimbabwe, after the closure of its missions in Pretoria and Cape Town.^[140]

Following majority rule in 1994, full diplomatic relations were established, and these became High Commissions, after South Africa rejoined the Commonwealth.^[141]

South Korea and China

Prior to the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 1992, South Korea and the People's Republic of China established trade offices in Beijing and Seoul, under the auspices of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and KOTRA, the Korea Trade Promotion Corporation respectively.^[142] The South Korean office in Beijing was established in January 1991, while the Chinese office was established in April of that year.^[143]

Other missions

South Africa and China

Prior to the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 1998, South Africa and the People's Republic of China established "cultural centres" in Beijing and Pretoria, known as the South African Centre for Chinese Studies and the Chinese Centre for South African Studies respectively.^[144] Although the Centres, each headed by a Director, did not use diplomatic titles, national flags, or coats of arms, their staff used diplomatic passports and were issued with diplomatic identity documents, while their vehicles had diplomatic number plates.^[145] They also performed visa and consular services.^[146]

Israel and China

Prior to the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 1992, Israel and the People's Republic of China established representative offices in Beijing and Tel Aviv. The Israeli office was formally known as the Liaison Office of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities.^[147] This was opened in June 1990.^[148] China was similarly represented by a branch of the China International Travel Service, which also opened in 1990.^[149]

Liaison Offices

Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Owing to the naming dispute between Greece and the Republic of Macedonia, the two countries only maintain "Liaison Offices", with Greece being represented in Skopje by a mission known as the "Liaison Office of the Hellenic Republic",^[150] and Macedonia by the "Liaison Office of the Republic of Macedonia" in Athens.^[151]

China and the United States

Following President Richard Nixon's visit to China, the United States and the People's Republic of China agreed to open "Liaison Offices" in Washington and Beijing in 1973, described by Secretary of State Henry Kissinger as "embassies in all but name".^[152]

Although the Embassy of the Republic of China on Taiwan remained, it increasingly became overshadowed by the "Liaison Office of the People's Republic of China",^[153] which, under Executive Order 11771, was accorded the same privileges and immunities enjoyed by the diplomatic missions accredited to the United States.^[154]

George H.W. Bush, later Vice-President under Ronald Reagan and President between 1989 and 1993, served as Chief of the "United States Liaison Office" between 1974 and 1975.^[155] The last holder of the post was Leonard Woodcock, formerly president of the United Auto Workers, who became the first Ambassador when full diplomatic relations were established in 1979.^[156]

Interests sections

United States and Iran

The United States is nominally represented in Iran by an interests section of the Swiss embassy in Tehran.^[157] No US diplomats are stationed at the interests section, although in July 2008, proposals were made to station them, the first time since the hostage crisis in 1979.^[158] However, these were abandoned by President George W. Bush in October of that year.^[159] The corresponding Iranian section to the US is housed as part of recognised Pakistani embassy in Washington, D.C.^[160]

United States and Cuba

Prior to the restoration of diplomatic relations on 20 July 2015, the US was represented by an interests section at the Swiss embassy in Havana, with the corresponding Cuban section to the US housed as part of the Swiss embassy in Washington.^[161] Unlike in Iran, where the former United States embassy building in Tehran has remained in disuse since its seizure during the hostage crisis in 1979, the former embassy building in Havana housed the "interests section" in Cuba between 1977 and 2015.

United States and Iraq

After the outbreak of the Gulf War in 1991, when diplomatic relations between the United States and Iraq were broken off, the United States was represented by an interests section of the Polish embassy in Baghdad,^[162] while Iraq was represented by an interests section of the Algerian embassy in Washington.^[163] Similarly, Iraq maintained an interests section in the Jordanian embassy in London,^[164] while Britain was represented by an interests section in the Russian embassy in Baghdad.^[165]

The two countries had broken off diplomatic relations before during the Six Day War in 1967,^[166] leading to the establishment in 1972 of a United States interests section in the Belgian embassy in Baghdad^[167] and an Iraqi interests section in the Indian embassy in Washington.^[166] Full diplomatic relations were restored in 1984.^[167]

Britain and Argentina

Following the breaking off of diplomatic relations between Britain and Argentina during the Falklands War in 1982, there was a British Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Buenos Aires, with Switzerland taking charge of the former British Embassy as well as two Consulates-General.^[168] There was also an Argentine Interests Section of the Brazilian Embassy in London.^[169] Until 1989, the two Interests Sections were unable to have direct communications with their home governments, instead being required to communicate through the host embassies, while the diplomats were unable to have direct contacts with their respective foreign ministries, instead having to go through the Swiss and Brazilian embassies.^[170]

Portugal and Indonesia

Following the Indonesian invasion of East Timor in 1975, diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Portugal were severed, but following an agreement between the two countries in November 1998, Portugal established an Interests Section in the Dutch embassy in Jakarta, while Indonesia established an Interests Section in the Thai embassy in Lisbon.^[171]

Ana Gomes was appointed the Head of the Portuguese Interests Section,^[172] while Rezlan Ishar Jenie was appointed Head of the Indonesian Interests Section.^[173] Full diplomatic relations were restored at the end of 1999.^[174]

Following the restoration of diplomatic relations, Gomes became Portuguese Ambassador, serving until 2003.^[175] However, the first Indonesian Ambassador to Lisbon, Harry Pryohutomo, was not appointed until November 2000.^[176]

List

Country	Mission	Status	Notes
Australia ⇒  Taiwan	Australian Office in Taipei	Australia–Taiwan relations	Established as the "Australian Commerce and Industry Office" in 1981.
Austria ⇒  Taiwan	Austrian Office Taipei	Foreign relations of Austria	Established as the "Austrian Trade Delegation" in 1981.
Belgium ⇒  Taiwan	Belgian Office, Taipei	Foreign relations of Belgium	Established as the "Belgian Trade Association" in 1979.
Brazil ⇒  Taiwan	Commercial Office of Brazil to Taipei	Brazil–Taiwan relations
Canada ⇒  Taiwan	Canadian Trade Office* (CTOT), Taipei	Foreign relations of Canada	Established 1986
Denmark ⇒  Taiwan	Trade Council of Denmark, Taipei	Denmark–Taiwan relations
France ⇒  Taiwan	French Office in Taipei	Foreign relations of France
Germany ⇒  Taiwan	German Institute Taipei	Foreign relations of Germany
Greece ⇒  Republic of Macedonia	Liaison Office of the Hellenic Republic	Foreign relations of Greece
Hong Kong ⇒ various nations and intergovernmental organizations	Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office	Foreign relations of Hong Kong	The offices in Europe and Asia have responsibilities for several countries or intergovernmental organizations. Those in Mainland China and United States similarly have responsibilities across several provinces or states.
India ⇒  Taiwan	India-Taipei Association[177]	India–Republic of China relations
Indonesia ⇒  Taiwan	Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei[178]	Foreign relations of Indonesia
Iran ⇒  USA	Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran* at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington.	Iran – United States relations
Italy ⇒  Taiwan	Italian Economic, Trade and Cultural Promotion Office serves as the representative office.	Italy–Taiwan relations
Japan ⇒  Taiwan	Interchange Association (財団法人交流協会) serves as the representative office.	Japan–Taiwan relations
Macau ⇒ various nations and intergovernmental organizations	Macau Economic and Trade Office	Foreign relations of Macau	The offices in Brussels and Geneva have responsibility for the European Union and the World Trade Organization.
Malaysia ⇒  Taiwan	Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre serves as the representative office.	Malaysia–Taiwan relations
Mexico ⇒  Taiwan	Mexican Trade Services Documentation and Cultural Office	Foreign relations of Mexico
Mongolia ⇒  Taiwan	Ulaanbaatar Trade and Economic Representative Office	Mongolia–Taiwan relations
Myanmar ⇒  Taiwan	Myanmar Trade Office, The Republic of the Union of Myanmar	Myanmar–Taiwan relations
Netherlands ⇒  Taiwan	Netherlands Trade and Investment Office serves as the representative office.[179]	Foreign relations of the Netherlands
New Zealand ⇒  Taiwan	New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office serves as the representative office.[180]	Foreign relations of New Zealand
Nigeria ⇒  Taiwan	Nigeria Trade Office in Taiwan, R.O.C.	Foreign relations of Nigeria
North Korea ⇒  Japan	Chongryon, North Korea's de facto embassy in Japan	Japan–North Korea relations
Northern Cyprus ⇒  USA	TRNC Representative Office to the US*	Foreign relations of Northern Cyprus
Northern Cyprus ⇒  UN	TRNC Representative Office in New York*	Foreign relations of Northern Cyprus
Northern Cyprus ⇒ various nations	Multiple missions of Northern Cyprus*	Foreign relations of Northern Cyprus
Palestine ⇒ various nations	Palestine general delegation, special delegation or mission*	Foreign relations of Palestine
Philippines ⇒  Taiwan	Manila Economic and Cultural Office	Philippines–Taiwan relations	Established in 1975 as the Asian Exchange Center[10]
PRC ⇒  Taiwan	Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits	Cross-Strait relations
Republic of Macedonia ⇒  Greece	Liaison Office of the Republic of Macedonia	Greece–Republic of Macedonia relations
SADR ⇒ various nations	Missions of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic	Foreign relations of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
Singapore ⇒  Taiwan	Singapore Trade Office in Taipei	Singapore–Taiwan relations	Established in 1979 as the Trade Representative Office, it adopted its present name in 1990 when Singapore established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.
Somaliland ⇒ various nations	Missions of Somaliland	Foreign relations of Somaliland
South Africa ⇒  Taiwan	Liaison Office of the Republic of South Africa	South Africa–Taiwan relations
South Korea ⇒  Taiwan	Korean Mission in Taipei	South Korea–Taiwan relations
Spain ⇒  Taiwan	Spanish Chamber of Commerce	Foreign relations of Spain
Sweden ⇒  Taiwan	Swedish Trade and Invest Council	Foreign relations of Sweden
Taiwan ⇒  PRC	Straits Exchange Foundation	Cross-Strait relations
Taiwan ⇒ various nations with diplomatic ties to  PRC	Taipei Representative Office*	Foreign relations of Taiwan
Thailand ⇒  Taiwan	Thailand Trade and Economic Office*	Foreign relations of Thailand
Turkey ⇒  Taiwan	Turkish Trade Office in Taipei*	Foreign relations of Turkey
United Kingdom ⇒  Taiwan	British Office Taipei*	Foreign relations of Taiwan	The office was opened in 1993 as the British Trade and Cultural Office, succeeding the Anglo-Taiwan Trade Committee, a privately financed entity established in 1976. It adopted its present name in 2015.[181]
USA ⇒  Iran	U.S. Interests Section of the Embassy of Switzerland* in Iran	Iran – United States relations	Since the Iran hostage crisis of 1979, the United States government has been represented in Iran by the United States Interests Section of the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran.
USA ⇒  Syria	U.S. Interests Section of the Embassy of the Czech Republic* in Syria	Syria–United States relations	Effective 6 February 2012, the U.S. Embassy in Syria suspended operations and closed for normal consular services.
USA ⇒  Taiwan	American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), established 1979, a non-profit private corporation	Republic of China – United States relations	The AIT was established shortly after the United States government changed its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing on 1 January 1979.
Vietnam ⇒  Taiwan	Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office*	Taiwan–Vietnam relations

_{Key:*: Government organization; flag positioned left: country of origin ("sending"); flag positioned right: location}

See also

• Diplomatic mission and lists of diplomatic missions
• High Commissioner (Commonwealth)
• Protecting power
• Provincial delegation (paradiplomacy)
• Representative office
• Délégation Générale du Québec
• Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
• Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization

References