Qatar–Taiwan relations

Qatar–Taiwan relations refer to the bilateral relations between the Qatar and Taiwan. Qatar does not maintain formal diplomatic recognition of Taiwan; nevertheless, the two countries have developed practical economic links—most notably a long-term liquefied natural gas agreement—and have periodically been involved in political or media controversies concerning Taiwan's international status.

History

There is no public record of formal diplomatic recognition between Qatar and Taiwan. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not listed Qatar among its formal diplomatic allies.

Representative offices

Taiwan does not maintain an embassy or representative office in Doha publicly acknowledged at the diplomatic level.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry jurisdictional responsibilities indicate that its office in Saudi Arabia covers Qatar among other Middle Eastern countries in practice.

Economic relations

A major recent development in Qatar–Taiwan economic relations is a long-term energy deal. In June 2024, Qatar signed a 27-year liquefied natural gas supply agreement with Taiwan’s state energy company CPC Corporation, under which Qatar will supply four million tonnes of LNG per year.

Political and symbolic disputes

Several controversies involving naming or recognition have arisen:

In 2022, during preparations for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Taiwan objected to being referred to as "Taiwan, Province of China" in the Hayya card application system, which serves as an entry identification/visa card. The next day, the site replaced that designation with simply "Taiwan", including the Taiwanese flag.
There has also been public reporting raising concerns about Taiwan's dependence on Qatar for LNG imports, especially in view of energy security risk, with analysts warning that Qatar could be subject to external pressure from China to stop their supply in case of war.