Monday, April 17, 2017

China-Taiwan "Diplomatic Truce" Over

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission published on 9 February 2017 an issue brief titled "As Chinese Pressure on Taiwan Grows, Beijing Turns Away from Cross-Strait 'Diplomatic Truce'" by Matthew Southerland.

The analysis notes recent decisions by Gambia and Sao Tome and Principe to switch diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, possible Chinese overtures to Burkina Faso to do the same, Nigeria's decision that required Taiwan to move its liaison office from the capital of Abuja to the commercial center of Lagos, and other evidence that suggests Beijing is stepping up pressure on Taiwan. The conclusion is that the "diplomatic truce" since 2008 between China and Taiwan not to encourage switches in diplomatic recognition is over. Only two African countries now recognize Taiwan and only 21 globally.