TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – China has infiltrated two of Taiwan’s official allies, but there is no danger of an imminent diplomatic break, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said Thursday (May 9).
Taiwan has been left with 12 diplomatic allies, with the Pacific Island nation of Nauru being the latest to switch recognition to Beijing in January, around Taiwan’s presidential and legislative elections. During President Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) eight years in office, 10 countries cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
In an interview with POP Radio broadcast Thursday, Wu said China had targeted two of Taiwan’s allies with long-term infiltration. He did not name the countries but said there was no risk of a diplomatic switch in the short term since Taiwan was assisting them.
Beijing had an opening to influence one nation after it sought assistance from the United Nations, Wu said. The country would not cut ties with Taipei soon, but Wu was concerned about the long term.
In another ally, China was using a neighboring country to help left-wing extremists stir up trouble, Wu said. The two allies were Haiti and Eswatini, per Radio Taiwan International (RTI).
Nevertheless, the loss of another ally is unlikely in the lead-up to the presidential inauguration, according to Wu. President-elect Lai Ching-te (賴清德) will be sworn in on May 20, with reports that Beijing might attempt to sabotage the ceremonies.
Wu will take over as secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC) and be succeeded as foreign minister by Presidential Secretary-General Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍).
Tags: Taiwan foreign minister accuses China infiltrating allies Taiwan News
