Costa Rica News – Taiwan used to have the support of all of Central America. Now four out of the eight countries have instead become faithful to China.
On Tuesday, the foreign ministers of China and El Salvador signed documents establishing diplomatic relations.
Costa Rica was first to switch alliances from Taipei to Beijing, in 2007, by recognizing the “one China” policy. Prior to this, it had stood with Taiwan for decades. President Óscar Arias explained that the change was “an awakening to the global context in which we have to play.”
Panama followed, ten years later, when its leaders saw a range of commercial, investment and tourism opportunities in siding with China. The third was Dominican Republic, in April of this year. And now El Salvador as well.
China sees Taiwan as a “rebel province.” Only 17 countries worldwide recognize Taiwan as a sovereign country. China offers commercial opportunities, investments, credits for infrastructure, and establishment of special economic zones in exchange of support.
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