The Australian Office in Taipei (Chinese: 澳洲辦事處; pinyin: Àozhōu Bànshì Chù) represents Australian interests in Taiwan in the absence of formal diplomatic relations, functioning as a de facto embassy.[5] The Office is headed by a Representative.
Before 1972, Australia recognised Taiwan as the "Republic of China", and had an embassy in Taipei, opened in 1966.[7] In 1972, diplomatic relations were ended following the decision of the government of
Gough Whitlam to recognise the People's Republic of China.[8]
An unofficial organisation known as the Australia-Free China Society, established an office in 1974 to provide services for Australians visiting Taiwan, headed by Lu Chen-kai, Secretary-General of the Sino-Australian Cultural and Economic Association in Taipei.[9] In Australia, Douglas Darby, a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly, President of the Australia-Free China Society, represented Taiwan in Australia.[10]
In 1981, The Australian Commerce and Industry Office under the Australian Chamber of Commerce was established in Taipei, which acted as an unofficial representative.[1][11] The office adopted its present name in 2012.[2]
The Visa and Citizenship Office in Seoul, Korea manages visa services for applicants in Taiwan.[12]
1 No diplomatic relations with Taiwan, functions as an informal diplomatic mission. 2 Diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but functions as an informal diplomatic mission.