Ask AI: why is Taiwan not a country

The modern status of Taiwan is a complex issue that involves history, international relations, and differing perspectives. According to international relations, a country is generally recognized as such by other nations. This diplomatic recognition gives it legitimacy. After the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949, the defeated Nationalists retreated to Taiwan, beginning a period of separation between Taiwan (Republic of China, ROC) and Mainland China (People's Republic of China, PRC). Both the PRC and ROC claim to be the legitimate government of entire China, including Taiwan, a situation known as the "One-China Policy". Currently, the majority of the world’s countries do not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation due to diplomatic relations with the PRC. The PRC has insisted that any country that wants to establish diplomatic relations with it must break their official relations with the ROC, which resulted in fewer and fewer countries recognizing Taiwan. However, Taiwan operates as a separate political entity with its own government, constitution, military, and economy, which is why many people consider it de facto independent, or a country in all but name. It's important to note that this is a sensitive issue with varying viewpoints, and the discussion is ongoing.