Commentary It has been reported in various media outlets, including The Epoch Times, The Australian, and The Guardian, that Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison mistakenly referred to the “one country, two systems” framework when discussing the Republic of China, better known as Taiwan. However, since 1972, Australia’s official policy, which has bipartisan support, recognises China’s sovereignty over Taiwan, which is regarded as a renegade province. The joint communiqué between the People’s Republic of China and Australia, signed in the early 1970s, clearly states that the “Australian government does not recognise the ROC [the Republic of China] as a sovereign state and does not regard the authorities in Taiwan as having the status of a national government.” Currently, Taiwan is recognised by 14 countries, mainly in South America (including Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, Nicaragua), Vatican City, and some Pacific islands, as a sovereign nation. But both Australia and the United States adhere …