Abstract
Chapter "Taiwan's Participation in International Organizations: Obstacles, Strategies, Patterns?" deals with Taiwan's position in international organizations in general and Taiwan's relationship with European organizations in particular. Taiwan's economic importance and the strength of its major trading partners, (the U.S., Japan, and recently the EC/EU, in addition to the growing influence of the PRC), led to Taiwan achieving an important breakthrough by becoming a member of the WTO, under the name of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen (Jinmen) and Matsu (Mazu) (Chinese Taipei), which acted as an impetus to further Taiwan's efforts to increase her international space.
At the same time, Taiwan, under various names, was able to join some other IGOs and NGOs, in some cases, even alongside the PRC. Particular attention is paid to the impact of the domestic political situation as well as to the influence of major players (the PRC, USA and EU).