Where is Chinese Taipei and why isn't it called Taiwan in the World Baseball Classic?

When perusing international sports box scores, you may come across both China and Chinese Taipei. 

Upon first glance, you may believe that China has somehow gotten two teams into whatever tournament they are participating in. In reality, China and Chinese Taipei are two separate nations. Chinese Taipei is the politically sensitive name for Taiwan. 

The island nation and China have had a long, storied history over Taiwan's political status. The name was intentionally chosen and created to be ambiguous to try to appease both nations, and it just so happens that the two nations tend to face each other in international competition, like the World Baseball Classic, adding to the perceived confusion. 

Here is more on where Chinese Taipei is and why it isn't called Taiwan in the World Baseball Classic. 

MORE: Full rosters for the 2026 World Baseball Classic

Where is Chinese Taipei?

Chinese Taipei is the politically sensitive name used for Taiwan. The label is intentionally ambiguous, created to ease tensions between the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan over the island’s political status.

Taiwan, which is referred to as Chinese Taipei in international sports competitions, sits off the coast of East Asia. It is bordered by the East China Sea to the north, the South China Sea to the southwest and the Philippine Sea to the east. The island lies southwest of Japan and northwest of the Philippines.

Chinese Taipei vs. Taiwan

Chinese Taipei and Taiwan are the same thing. The Republic of China (ROC) refused to acknowledge Taiwan in the early 1980s, and the International Olympic Committee then suggested the name Chinese Taipei.

The name Chinese Taipei was intended to be ambiguous but still satisfy the requirements of each nation. Taiwan gets to compete internationally under its own moniker and identity. Meanwhile, China is permitted to refer to it as "Taipei, China," which allows the nation to show ownership of the region.

MORE: Ranking the 2026 World Baseball Classic teams 20-1

Is Chinese Taipei part of China?

Chinese Taipei is an independent and sovereign nation. It has also been known as part of the Republic of China and the "free area of the Republic of China."

Chinese Taipei views itself as its own nation. China tends to view it as a temporary separation and a part of China that will eventually be reclaimed. 

History of Chinese Taipei at World Baseball Classic

Chinese Taipei has qualified for all five World Baseball Classics heading into 2026. Generally, they have struggled in the international competition. A large part of this is that Team Japan is consistently one of the best teams, and Chinese Taipei usually is matched up with Team Japan in an international pool and struggles to make it out of the pool.