TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A map displayed in a permanent exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland has sparked criticism from Taiwanese groups after depicting Taiwan and China in the same color, a presentation critics say implies Taiwan is part of China.
The controversy centers on the museum’s “Exploring East Asia” exhibition, where China and Taiwan are both shaded dark gray on a regional map. The display has prompted calls from Taiwanese organizations and social media users for Taiwan’s government to take diplomatic action, per CNA.
Social media users have urged Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to raise the issue with British authorities, arguing that the map presents a misleading depiction of Taiwan’s status. In response to inquiries from CNA earlier this month, the museum said the map was based on the United Nations’ official geographical regional classification system, which does not designate Taiwan as an independent country.
The museum said the display was intended to reflect geographic classifications rather than a political position. Taiwan’s representative office in Edinburgh said it has clearly conveyed Taiwan’s position to the relevant parties regarding the issue.
The controversy has also drawn criticism from the All-Japan Taiwanese Union, which issued a statement expressing concern that the map “conveys the impression that Taiwan is part of China.” The organization argued that museums have a responsibility to provide accurate and neutral information to the public.
“Museums, which convey culture and history, are not venues for reflecting specific political stances or unilateral interpretations,” the statement said. “Their public mission includes providing visitors with accurate and neutral knowledge.”
The group further argued that the use of what it described as misleading representations by a prominent institution such as the National Museum of Scotland raises concerns about academic credibility and public understanding of Taiwan’s status. The statement said the incident demonstrates how what it views as inaccurate perceptions of Taiwan may have spread into internationally recognized cultural institutions, per CNA.
The organization called on Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continue lodging formal protests with the UK government, the National Museum of Scotland, and other relevant bodies to seek a correction of the map’s depiction of Taiwan. The museum has not publicly indicated whether it plans to revise the display.
