Taiwan will continue to build on the stable ties it has with its diplomatic allies despite pressure from Mainland China. That’s the word from an unnamed foreign ministry official on Monday.
The official was responding to an editorial in Asia Weekly, a Chinese language international affairs magazine based in Hong Kong. The editorial said that China will slowly weaken Taiwan’s international presence, possibly by first luring away two of Taiwan’s allies -- Nicaragua and Paraguay.
Right now Taiwan has just 22 diplomatic allies, due to pressure from China, which sees Taiwan as part of Chinese territory. That means that countries have to decide between setting up ties with either Taipei or Beijing.
The unnamed foreign ministry official in Taipei called the editorial pure speculation, saying that top officials from both Nicaragua and Paraguay had attended Tsai’s inauguration. The official said that proves the two countries have stable ties with Taiwan, and that Taiwan will continue to strengthen its relations with diplomatic allies.
The official also said that the foreign ministry and its overseas offices are closely watching possible moves on the part of China, in order to maintain Taiwan’s interests in the international community.