It is an accepted heuristic to describe Taiwan as marginalized. That description is not entirely accurate, since it conflates several aspects of international interactions. Taiwan is marginalized in the sense that it has a mere 13 formal diplomatic allies and is barred from participation in many international organizations as a result of PRC opposition. This situation continues despite growing international support for Taiwan's participation in organizations that affect the material well-being of Taiwan's 24 million people, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), or the safety of Taiwanese and others, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Since both of these examples are specialized organizations under the United Nations, the PRC's veto power means Taiwan's participation is entirely by the PRC's grace.

During the period of Ma's China-friendly policies, the PRC allowed Taiwan to participate as an observer, only to retract this favour when Tsai Ing-wen won the presidency. There are other organizations that Taiwan can participate in where statehood is not a precondition for membership. But participation is still usually contingent on doing so under a name that meets the PRC's demand that it does not hint at recognition of Taiwanese sovereignty. Taiwanese representative teams can only compete at the Olympics and other international sporting competitions under the otherwise meaningless name of “Chinese Taipei” (there is no such place or entity). Taiwan participates in the WTO as the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, and appears in WTO communications as Chinese Taipei. Taiwan is represented in some other organizations, but the indignities it suffers to do so are incongruous given its standing as a major global economy, technology powerhouse and successful liberal democracy. It is a loss to the international community, as demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic when Taiwan was excluded from receiving guidance from the WHO – and from contributing its expertise. For Taiwanese people it is also a matter of national dignity and pride. However, this does not mean that Taiwan should only be seen as marginalized.