Austria–Taiwan relations

Austria–Taiwan relations refer to the relations between Austria (formally the Republic of Austria) and Taiwan (formally the Republic of China).

Austrian–Taiwanese relations

Austria	Taiwan

Austria and the Republic of China established diplomatic relations in 1913, but these were severed in 1971 when Austria recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC). Since then, relations between Austria and Taiwan have been conducted on a non-diplomatic level through representative offices that function as de facto embassies.

Although they do not maintain formal diplomatic ties, Austria and Taiwan have built close links in economics, trade, tourism, culture, and education, and share values such as democracy, freedom, and human rights.

History

Following World War II, the ROC re-established relations with Austria in 1946 and opened a representative office in 1947. Austria sent an envoy in 1948, but after the ROC government relocated to Taiwan in 1949, Austria did not appoint further envoys.

On 28 May 1971, Austria established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and cut ties with the Republic of China.

On 25 October 1971, Austria voted in favor of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, which transferred China's UN seat from Taipei to Beijing.

Representative offices

• On 11 August 1973, Taiwan established the China Cultural Institute in Vienna, which also handled liaison work with the International Atomic Energy Agency. In 1992, it was renamed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Austria.^[1]

• On 13 December 1980, Austria established the Austrian Trade Delegation, Taipei Office. After several name changes, it became the Austrian Office Taipei in 2009, serving as Austria's official representation in Taiwan.^[2]

Economic relations

Bilateral trade between Austria and Taiwan reached approximately US$1.52 billion in 2023, with Austria ranking as Taiwan's 10th-largest trade partner within the EU. Trade is centered on complementary industrial strengths in sectors such as semiconductors, machinery, bicycles, and information and communications technology. Both nations hold periodic economic dialogues and sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to deepen cooperation and encourage investment in innovation.^[3]

Major Taiwanese exports to Austria include semiconductors, automotive parts, telecommunication devices, and electronic components. Austrian exports to Taiwan include semiconductor manufacturing equipment, passenger vehicles, pharmaceuticals, precision instruments, and industrial machinery.^[4]

Taiwanese companies such as Foxconn, Delta Electronics, and Chunghwa Telecom have invested in Austria, while Austrian firms including ams-OSRAM, AT&S, EV Group, and Frequentis operate in Taiwan.^[5]

Cultural and educational exchanges

In December 2009, National Chengchi University and the University of Vienna established a Taiwan Research Center. Academic exchanges, joint forums on higher education, and Taiwan Studies programs continue to be supported by both governments.^[6]

In November 2015, the Director of International Affairs of the University Department of the Austrian Ministry of Education led a delegation of Austrian professional colleges to Taiwan for a visit and held the first Taiwan-Austria Forum on Higher Vocational Education. In 2016, Taiwan's Ministry of Education led the presidents and vice presidents of several Taiwanese universities to visit Austria and held the second Taiwan-Austria Forum on Higher Vocational Education with the Austrian Ministry of Scientific Research.^[7]

Humanitarian cooperation

In 1999, Austria dispatched a rescue team to Taiwan following the 921 earthquake.^{[citation needed]}

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan donated 1.3 million surgical masks to Austria in April 2020.^[8]

Agreements

Bilateral agreements signed between Austria and Taiwan include:

• 1982 – Academic Cooperation Agreement
• 1990 – Civil Aviation Agreement establishing scheduled flights between Taipei and Vienna. Scheduled flights between the two countries started in November 1992 operated by EVA Air.^[9]
• 1996 – Temporary Admission of Goods Agreement
• 2014 – Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion
• 2014 – Joint Statement on Youth Working Holiday Program

See also

• Foreign relations of Taiwan
• Foreign relations of Austria
• List of diplomatic missions of Taiwan
• Taiwan–European Union relations