> If one would never hear about Taiwan, would we really "know" it exists?

It's a sort of reverse branding exercise. If you can reduce exposure as much as possible there's not going to be a lot of sentiment for supporting the cause. What would be of Palestine today without the exposure that has been directed at it.

It's not like Israel is - not talking about the truth of that claim here - denying the very existence of their neighbouring states. On the contrary, palestine and part of the palestine people are branded as great evil. Being branded as _anything_ is being "known". Famously or infamously.

> I think most people on Hacker-News would know that Taiwan exists

I frequently come across, in America, people who are genuinely surprised that Taiwan is a sovereign state.

Are you sure they don't just disagree with your use of the word sovereign? I find it a strange way to describe the ROC and Taiwan.

Without a clear territory under exclusive control, recognition from other governments, or independence from the mainland, what's so sovereign about it?

>Without a clear territory under exclusive control

But isn’t there? Taiwan has borders and a military.

> Are you sure they don't just disagree with your use of the word sovereign?

Yes, when people debate Taiwan’s sovereignty (for, independent foreign relations and a military, against, limited recognition) they understand the local context. That there is legitimate dispute with respect to its status is news to a surprising number of Americans.