If you are referring to the recognition of the People's Republic of China (PRC) by the

United States during the presidency of Jimmy Carter, it is because of a shift in U.S.
foreign policy towards China.

Prior to President Carter's administration, the United States recognized the Republic of
China (ROC) on Taiwan as the legitimate government of China. However, Carter believed
that closer relations with the PRC could benefit U.S. interests and promote stability in
the region.

Carter's recognition of the PRC was driven by several factors:

1. Geopolitical considerations: The United States sought to counter the influence of

the Soviet Union during the Cold War. By recognizing the PRC, the U.S. hoped to
establish diplomatic relations and build a strategic partnership with China as a
counterweight to the USSR.
2. Economic opportunities: China was undergoing economic reforms under the
leadership of Deng Xiaoping, and Carter saw potential economic benefits in
establishing trade and investment ties with the PRC. Normalizing relations could
open up new markets for American businesses.
3. Diplomatic pragmatism: The global recognition of the PRC had increased
significantly since its founding in 1949. Carter recognized the changing
international dynamics and believed that aligning with the PRC would better
serve American interests and contribute to stability in the region.

In 1979, the United States officially established diplomatic relations with the People's
Republic of China and simultaneously severed formal ties with the Republic of China on
Taiwan. This shift in recognition had a significant impact on U.S.-China relations and set
the stage for further engagement and cooperation between the two countries.
The Republic of China (ROC) did not disappear despite the recognition of the People's
Republic of China (PRC) by the United States and the shift in diplomatic recognition.
There are a few key reasons for this:

1. Sovereign Existence: The ROC still maintains its sovereignty and operates as an
independent political entity on the island of Taiwan. It has its own government,
military, constitution, and institutions. The government of the ROC considers itself
to be the legitimate government of China, representing the interests of the
Chinese people.
2. International Relations: While many countries have recognized the PRC as the
legitimate government of China, some nations still maintain unofficial relations
with the ROC. These countries maintain economic, cultural, and people-to-people
 exchanges with Taiwan without formal diplomatic recognition. Taiwan has its own
diplomatic missions, known as representative offices, in various countries and
maintains relationships with them.
3. International Organizations: Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations or
other international organizations due to the One-China policy, which recognizes
the PRC as the sole representative of China. However, Taiwan participates in
various international forums and has membership in a few specialized
organizations under different names.
4. Global Support: Taiwan has received support from several countries that value its
democratic system, economic strength, and contributions in areas such as
technology and healthcare. These countries often engage in unofficial relations
and cooperation with Taiwan, reinforcing its presence on the global stage.

It's important to note that the situation between the PRC and the ROC is complex and
influenced by political, historical, and geopolitical factors. The status of Taiwan and its
relationship with mainland China remain sensitive issues with differing perspectives
across the international community.