Browsing Tag

Taiwan

37 posts

Taiwan president heads to US, Central America to shore up ties

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen is set to visit the US to strengthen ties with Guatemala and Belize after China took another of the island’s few diplomatic allies. Analysts suggest the trip comes at a critical moment, with Beijing increasing diplomatic, military, and economic pressure since Tsai took office in 2016, poaching nine of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies since then. The United States remains Taiwan’s most crucial international ally, and its most significant arms supplier, despite switching its own diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979.

Honduras orders Taiwan to vacate embassy within 30 days as it establishes ties with China

Honduras has ordered Taiwan to vacate its embassy within 30 days following President Xiomara Castro’s decision to sever ties with Taiwan and establish formal diplomatic relations with China. This move aims to attract more investment and jobs from the Asian giant. Taiwanese students with scholarships in Honduras will be able to transfer their studies to China, while Taiwan has terminated diplomatic relations with Honduras. China considers Taiwan as a part of its territory to be retaken one day, while Taiwan maintains a similar policy of cutting ties with countries that switch recognition to Beijing.

Taiwan ex-president Ma heads to China ‘to improve cross-strait atmosphere’

Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou embarks on a 12-day visit to China, the first cross-strait trip by a current or former leader in over seven decades, focusing on paying tribute to his ancestors and promoting youth exchanges, without any official meetings.

Taiwan recalls ambassador to Honduras over FM’s China visit

Taiwan has recalled its ambassador to Honduras over the visit of Tegucigalpa’s foreign minister to China, with Taiwan’s government citing the “serious damage” it has caused to their friendship. Honduras’ president had ordered the foreign minister to establish diplomatic ties with China, which would sever its ties with Taiwan, leaving Taiwan with just 13 countries with formal diplomatic ties. China sees Taiwan as a part of its territory and has stated that it will be retaken one day, by force if necessary.

Blinken defends Taiwan after Honduras snaps ties

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Taiwan has a “lot to offer” the world, following Honduras’ decision to cut ties with Taiwan and recognise Beijing. Blinken reiterated the US’s One-China policy but said that Taiwan had a role to play in international institutions. Honduras said it changed sides after Taiwan refused to increase financial aid to the country.

Former Taiwan officials indicted in China spying case

Retired Taiwanese navy officer Hsia Fu-hsiang and former member of parliament Lo Chih-ming have been charged with attempting to build a spy network for China. The two are accused of providing opportunities for Chinese intelligence personnel to contact and recruit retired generals with the aim of developing a network for Chinese organisations.

Honduras to start diplomatic ties with China, in blow to Taiwan

Honduras will establish diplomatic ties with China, severing longstanding official ties with Taiwan, according to President Xiomara Castro. Honduras is one of only 14 countries that officially recognize Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China considers part of its territory. The switch comes weeks after the Honduran government announced it was negotiating with China to build a hydroelectric dam.