Taiwan maintains ties with 12 diplomatic allies amid growing pressure

Saturday 02 May 2026 - 13:30

Lai Ching-te has reaffirmed Taiwan’s diplomatic outreach with a visit to Eswatini, one of the island’s few remaining official allies, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical struggle over international recognition.

Taiwan, officially known as Republic of China (Taiwan), maintains formal diplomatic relations with just 12 countries worldwide. This limited number reflects increasing pressure from China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes any state-to-state recognition of the island.

Over the years, Beijing has intensified efforts to persuade countries to switch diplomatic recognition, offering economic incentives and strengthening political ties. As a result, Taiwan’s list of allies has gradually declined.

Despite these challenges, Taiwan continues to foster strong relationships with its remaining partners across several regions:

Latin America and the Caribbean:
Belize, Guatemala, Paraguay, Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Pacific region:
Marshall Islands, Palau, and Tuvalu.

Africa:
Eswatini remains Taiwan’s only diplomatic partner on the continent.

Europe:
Vatican City is the sole European entity maintaining official ties with Taipei.

Taiwan’s government continues to reject China’s claims over its sovereignty, emphasizing its democratic system and independent governance. Meanwhile, Beijing insists that countries must choose between diplomatic relations with China or Taiwan, a policy that has shaped global diplomatic alignments for decades.

Analysts say President Lai’s visit underscores Taiwan’s determination to preserve its remaining alliances while expanding informal partnerships with other nations. As tensions persist, the island’s diplomatic strategy remains a key element of its broader effort to maintain international presence and political legitimacy.