Sep 07, 2007

Taiwan: Cementing Support from Africa


Following a recent trip to Central America, Taiwan’s president enhances its normalised diplomatic relations by inviting African leaders to Taipei.

Following a recent trip to Central America, Taiwan’s president enhances its normalised diplomatic relations by inviting African leaders to Taipei.

Below is an article published by AFP:

Taiwan is to hold its first African summit this weekend [08-09 September 2007] to cement ties and counter rival China's diplomatic push in the region, the president's office announced Thursday [06 September 2007].

Leaders from Taiwan's five diplomatic allies in Africa -- Burkina Faso, Gambia, Malawi, Sao Tome and Principe and Swaziland -- will attend the summit on September 9 [2007] in Taipei.

Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian and his African counterparts "will discuss issues of mutual concern," his office said in a statement.

"Taiwan must adopt forward-looking concepts in its diplomatic efforts in the light of China's rise," it said.

"China's diplomatic work is based on strategic ambitions and its own interests, while Taiwan is willing to help solve the problems in African countries with a more sincere approach."

Africa, Latin America, and the South Pacific are the main diplomatic battlegrounds for Taiwan and China, which have accused each other of luring allies away with "chequebook diplomacy."

Last year [2006] Taipei suffered its latest setback in Africa when Chad switched recognition to Beijing, leaving the island with only five allies in the region.

In June [2007] China scored another diplomatic victory with Costa Rica ditching long-time ally Taiwan after six decades. Only 24 countries now recognise Taipei instead of Beijing.

Taiwan and China split in 1949 after a civil war and have since vied for international recognition as the rightful government, with Beijing regarding the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification.

The summit will focus on issues such as economic development, digital technological development, health care, sustainable environment, peace and security, the statement said.