FACT CHECK: Map Claims Taiwan Recognized Maduro’s Win
An image shared on X claims Taiwan recognized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s win.
Do you see a pattern amongst the countries that have so far recognised the “victory” of Maduro? pic.twitter.com/0yoPJQ755J
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) July 30, 2024
Verdict: Misleading
Taiwan is not part of China. The image appears to be from a Newsweek map, with a reporter saying that the tool they use to make maps does not distinguish between Taiwan and China. There is no evidence Taiwan recognized Maduro’s win.
Fact Check:
Venezuela’s electoral council that declared President Nicolas Madura the winner of the 2024 presidential election has come under increasing criticism from outside observers, according to The Associated Press. Maduro has also come under criticism, the outlet reported.
Social media users have been sharing a map, claiming it shows countries that recognized Maduro’s win. Taiwan, which is not part of the People’s Republic of China, is shown as being one of those countries.
There is no evidence Taiwan recognized Maduro’s win. If they had done so, media outlets would have done so. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not commented on the Venezuelan presidential elections, according to a Check Your Fact review of its social media accounts and website.
The image appears to be from a Newsweek map. This map, though, uses a tool that does not differentiate between China and Taiwan, according to Newsweek reporter Jesus Mara. (RELATED: Was Kamala Harris Ranked The Most Liberal Senator By Govtrack?)
Thank you for your tweet. The Flourish tool we use for the maps doesn’t allow us to differentiate between Mainland China and Taiwan. To improve clarity, we’ve added a note on the map. pic.twitter.com/BC3pu6LlMr
— jesus mesa (@JesusMesa) July 30, 2024
“The Flourish tool does not allow differentiation between China and Taiwan,” the note reads. “Taiwan is not part of Mainland China and has not recognized Maduro’s win.”
Taiwan does not have relations with Venezuela. In May 2024, Taiwan condemned a statement from Venezuela that said “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.”
