Taiwan struggles to maintain LatAm influence

In anticipation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation this weekend in Peru, Chinese President Hu Jintao is continuing his visit to several Latin America countries. His tour of countries like Costa Rica and Cuba is symbolic in showing off China’s increasing clout in the region.

Taiwan is desperately trying to preserve its strong diplomatic ties in the region in the face of increased Chinese activity. Approximately two dozen countries around the world recognize Taiwan though that list includes most of Central America. Yet Taiwan’s political connections to the region have been weakened by the temptation of trading with China’s vast markets. (Last year, Costa Rica broke off six decades of ties with Taiwan.)

As the DPA news agency reported earlier today, Taiwan is bankrolling several Central American initiatives:

Taiwan has donated 18.2 million US dollars to the Central American Integration System (SICA) to be spent on cooperation projects, Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) said on Wednesday…

Quoting Honduran Foreign Minister Angel Edmundo Orellana Mercado, CNA said the pact covers improving agriculture and fishery, wiping out livestock diseases and promoting social developments…

Taiwan has offered generous aid to its diplomatic allies to prevent them from switching recognition to China, which sees Taiwan as a breakaway province.

With several deals expected to be signed this week between China and several Latin American states, Taiwan’s foothold in the area may erode at a faster clip than expected.

Image- flagsonline.it
Sources- The Latin Americanist, UPI, Monsters & Critics, AFP, IPS