Diplomatic Recognition

Diplomatic recognition is a government’s formal acknowledgment of another state or government as an entity with which it may conduct official relations. Recognition can affect diplomatic relations, official representation, and the way governments interact, but it does not by itself resolve every dispute about sovereignty or territorial claims.

Example: The United States formally recognized the People’s Republic of China and established diplomatic relations in 1979, while ending official diplomatic recognition of the Republic of China government on Taiwan.

Common misconception: Diplomatic recognition automatically settles all sovereignty disputes. Recognition is an important foreign-policy decision, but territorial claims and other international questions may remain contested.

Sources: https://history.state.gov/countries/china; https://www.state.gov/