It is noteworthy that some states in the world, especially Pacific Island states, support Taiwan. In early 2024, after Nauru ended its alliance with Taiwan, Taiwan was left with only three allies. Of these, the Marshall Islands and Palau have long had defense and financing agreements with the United States, while Tuvalu signed a security and migration agreement with Australia in November 2023.
Since 2019, Taiwan’s allies in the region have fallen from six to three. This comes amid growing US-China rivalry, security ties and struggles over infrastructure and financing offers. The remaining 15 countries in the “Pacific Islands Forum” bloc have diplomatic relations with China.[1]
The Marshall Islands states that its ties with Taiwan are “solid” and based on mutual interests. “The Republic of the Marshall Islands values its strong relationship with Taiwan as an indispensable partner in the promotion of democratic principles,” an official statement said. “At the same time, we sincerely respect the sovereignty of all countries and will continue to foster an open and friendly dialogue with other nations so that peace and stability are sustainable for all countries.”[2]
The Government of Tuvalu congratulated Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te on his inauguration. Palau, on the other hand, stood by Taiwan, which it described as a “good friend”, adding that the countries could establish diplomatic relations “without coercion”. Moreover, Palau’s President Surangel Whipps wrote in a letter that his country “would like to further strengthen its solid alliance” with Taiwan “as soon as possible.[3]
Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation in the Pacific Islands is closely linked to global power struggles and regional dynamics. Nauru’s severing relations with Taiwan can be seen as a reflection of the China-Taiwan rivalry. Nauru’s decision may increase the likelihood of other countries in the region taking similar steps. The ties between the Marshall Islands and Palau, which have strong defense and financing ties with the US, and Taiwan may affect the balance in the region. The US presence in the Pacific Islands may be aimed at limiting China’s influence in the region.
In conclusion, Taiwan’s diplomatic challenges reflect the international community’s firm commitment to China’s “one China” principle. Taiwan is officially recognized by only a few countries in diplomatic relations. Nevertheless, Taiwan has established informal relations with a number of countries and regional powers. Under the “Taiwan Relations Act”, the United States can be characterized as the diplomatic and military ally that has provided the most assistance to Taiwan. Likewise, Japan attaches importance to the security of Taiwan, which is geographically close to it, and cooperates with the United States in this regard.
Apart from these, some Caribbean and Latin American countries and Pacific Island states are recognized as Taiwan’s allies. Allied relations with Taiwan, especially among less developed countries, are often informal or limited due to their ties with China. As China’s rise in the international arena continues, Taiwan’s allies are expected to diminish.
[1] “Taiwan’s Remaining Pacific Allies Pledge Support”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwans-remaining-pacific-allies-pledge-support-2024-01-18/, (Date Accession: 28.12.2024).
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
