This examination of the issues determining the status of Taiwan covers such topics as: its international legal status; the viability of its flexible diplomacy; its efforts to gain participation or membership in international organizations; and its future relations with mainland China. There is discussion, where relevant, of American and European foreign policy, and Chinese and Taiwanese politics. The author looks at the question of Taiwan from the perspective of both international law and politics as it confronts the imperatives of law and the limitations of real world politics. The aim is to provide insights and strategies that are both sensible and feasible.