The diplomatic recognition of Taiwan by the international community is controversial .
The issue hinges on whether the islands of Taiwan , Penghu , Kinmen , and Matsu should remain the territory of the ROC as an effectively separate self-governing entity ; become unified with the PRC under the existing communist government ; convert the ROC to a new Republic of Taiwan ; or unite with the mainland under the ROC government ( after the dissolution of the PRC government ) .This controversy also concerns whether the existence and legal status as a nation-state ( country ) of both the ROC and the PRC is legitimate as a matter of international law .
Political status of Taiwan