Why Taiwan is running out of friends
Taipei vows to fight China’s ‘increasingly out of control’ behaviour after losing third ally this year
Taiwan has vowed to fight China’s “increasingly out of control” behaviour after El Salvador became its third ally this year to switch allegiances.
The loss of the Central American country reduces the number of Taipei's formal diplomatic allies to just 17, after Burkina Faso and the Dominican Republic also cut ties in May.
Many of the remaining nations are small, less developed countries in Central America and the Pacific, including Belize and Nauru.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Formally known as the Republic of China, Taiwan was established in 1949 by the remnants of the nationalist government which fled the mainland having lost a brutal civil war with Mao Zedong’s Communists.
Since then, Beijing and Taipei have had a history of rivalry in their efforts to gain economic opportunities and diplomatic support from governments around the world.
CNN says “the Chinese government views Taiwan as the most sensitive issue in its relations with other nations”.
China's communist leadership refuses to maintain diplomatic ties with any country that recognises the self-governed and democratic Taiwan, an island of just 23 million people off its south-eastern coast that Beijing considers an integral part of its territory.
For years, most Western nations refused formal ties with the government in Beijing, but ever since the 1970s the pendulum has slowly swung decisively in China’s favour, coinciding with an economic explosion that has been used to entice other countries to switch sides.
Speaking in Taipei after a diplomatic charm offensive of Africa, President Tsai Ing-wen said her country would not bow to pressure, describing El Salvador’s decision as further evidence of China’s efforts to squeeze the nation, which have included regular Chinese bomber patrols around the island.
“We will turn to countries with similar values to fight together against China’s increasingly out-of-control international behaviour,” Tsai said.
Beijing considers Taiwan to be a wayward province of “one China”, “and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control”, says Reuters.
For decades the two countries have maintained an uneasy truce, but since Tsai came to power in 2016, Beijing has hardened its stance due to concerns over strong pro-independence sentiment within Taiwan's ruling party.
The Chinese military has increased drills around the island while Beijing has repeatedly warned Washington over growing closeness with Taipei under US President Donald Trump.
With its number of allies dwindling, the most symbolic country that still recognises Taiwan is the Vatican, however, CNN reports that since the beginning of this year, “rumours have leaked out suggesting the Holy See might be close to a decision of establishing diplomatic relations with Beijing in favour of Taipei”.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Last hopes for justice for UK's nuclear test veterans
Under the Radar Thousands of ex-service personnel say their lives have been blighted by aggressive cancers and genetic mutations
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
'It may not be surprising that creative work is used without permission'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
5 simple items to help make your airplane seat more comfortable
The Week Recommends Gel cushions and inflatable travel pillows make a world of difference
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published