China offers incentives to KMT, isolation to DPP
China is adopting a dual strategy towards Taiwan. On one hand, it's offering economic incentives to the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) to foster closer ties across the Taiwan Strait. At the same time, it's trying to marginalize the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led by President William Lai Ching-te. Recently, Lai had to cancel a planned visit to eSwatini, Taiwan's last diplomatic partner in Africa, which was celebrating King Mswati III's 40th accession anniversary and 58th birthday. eSwatini has recognized Taiwan since its independence in 1968, but China can outmatch any support Taiwan provides. Currently, Taiwan is officially recognized by just 12 countries, most of which are small and influenced by the U.S.
Key facts
- China offers economic incentives to KMT, isolation to DPP
- Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te canceled visit to eSwatini
- eSwatini is Taiwan's last diplomatic partner in Africa
- eSwatini recognized Taiwan since independence from Britain in 1968
- China can outmatch Taiwanese foreign aid to eSwatini
- Taiwan recognized by only 12 states
- List of Taiwan's diplomatic partners includes Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Paraguay, Marshall Islands, Palau, Tuvalu, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Vatican City
- Many of these states maintain ties due to U.S. pressure
Entities
Institutions
- Kuomintang
- Democratic Progressive Party
- eSwatini
- Vatican City
Locations
- China
- Taiwan
- eSwatini
- Africa
- Belize
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Paraguay
- Marshall Islands
- Palau
- Tuvalu
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Vatican City
- United States