Relationship dossier
São Tomé and Príncipe
Taiwan
Relationship assessment
Diplomatic relations ended after São Tomé and Príncipe recognized the People’s Republic of China in 2016.
São Tomé and Príncipe toward Taiwan
-35In 2016, São Tomé and Príncipe recognized the People’s Republic of China and ended diplomatic relations with Taiwan, terminating its prior official relationship with Taiwan.
Taiwan toward São Tomé and Príncipe
-35After São Tomé and Príncipe recognized the People’s Republic of China in 2016, Taiwan severed diplomatic relations with São Tomé and Príncipe.
Overall relationship
-35The relationship shifted from formal diplomatic ties to a rupture in 2016 when São Tomé and Príncipe recognized the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan severed relations. Competing diplomatic recognition is the defining feature of the bilateral relationship.
How to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
São Tomé and Príncipe maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan before recognizing the People’s Republic of China in 2016 and ending its ties with Taiwan. Taiwan then severed diplomatic relations with São Tomé and Príncipe. The break in relations, driven by competing diplomatic recognition, defines the relationship.
Areas of tension
- São Tomé and Príncipe’s recognition of the People’s Republic of China led to the end of diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Key developments
São Tomé and Príncipe recognized the People’s Republic of China and ended diplomatic relations with Taiwan; Taiwan subsequently severed relations with São Tomé and Príncipe.
Major uncertainties
- The extent of development assistance and other cooperation during the period of diplomatic relations is unclear.
- The scope of any contact or cooperation after the 2016 rupture is unclear.