Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen will embark on a three-nation tour of the Americas that will include a stopover in the United States before heading to Belize and Guatemala, two of Taipei’s last remaining diplomatic allies.
Tsai’s trip comes in the wake of Honduras’ decision last week to abandon switch diplomatic recognition to China, a major setback for Taiwan, that now has official ties with just 13 countries.
During her trip, Tsai will meet her Guatemalan counterpart Alejandro Giammattei and Belize’s prime minister Johnny Briceño.
Other China-Taiwan-Honduras News:
- NOTHING YET: Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday that it has still not received an official notice from Honduras to sever diplomatic relations. (CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY)
- U.S. RESPONSE: The U.S. government said it “respects” Honduras’ decision to move towards establishing formal diplomatic ties with China, the Honduran foreign minister said on Monday after a meeting with U.S. officials. (REUTERS)
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Taiwan’s diplomatic universe is shrinking in the face of intense Chinese pressure. Although both Belize and Guatemala appear to be satisfied with the status quo, Paraguay is actively considering following Honduras and switching diplomatic recognition to China.
SUGGESTED READING:
- Taiwan News: Taiwan shuts down Honduras foreign minister’s false claims regarding diplomatic switch by Kelvin Chen
- World Politics Review: Taiwan Needs a New Approach in Latin America by James Bosworth
