Taiwan, Nicaragua cut diplomatic tiesOVERCOMING PRESSURE: Nicaragua’s decision would not dissuade Taiwan from its ‘determination to adhere to democracy and freedom,’ President Tsai Ing-wen saidAgencies, TAIPEI and MANAGUATaiwan severed diplomatic ties with Nicaragua shortly after the Central American nation on Thursday switched recognition to China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday. “As of today, Nicaragua breaks its diplomatic relations with Taiwan and ceases to have any official contact or relationship.”Flags of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies flutter outside the embassy complex in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Ritchie B. Tongo, EPA-EFEAlthough Nicaragua’s diplomatic switch leaves Taiwan with just 14 diplomatic allies, it comes as Taipei bolsters ties with multiple unofficial Western friends, including the US. The ministry added that Taiwan was not part of the PRC, which has never ruled over Taiwan. Since May 2016, when Tsai came to office, Taiwan has lost eight diplomatic allies: Burkina Faso, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Kiribati, Nicaragua, Panama, Sao Tome and Principe, and the Solomon Islands.

Source: Taipei Times December 11, 2021 04:00 UTC