Overview

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) addressed concerns over the presence of two of its diplomatic allies at a recent international forum in Beijing. The forum,hosted by China,raised questions about potential shifts in diplomatic allegiances.MOFA has moved to reassure the public, stating that relations with these allies remain strong and stable.

Forum Attendance Details

• Event: Forum of china and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)
• Location: Beijing, China
• Attendees:
  • Haiti: Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste (Attended as Haiti’s CELAC representative)
  • Saint Lucia: Diplomat Peter Lansiquot (Representing his political party)
• Observation: Reporters from Reuters noted the presence of the national flags of Haiti and Saint Lucia at the forum.

Taiwan’s Diplomatic Response

MOFA issued a statement addressing the situation, emphasizing that Taiwan was aware of the planned attendance. The governments of our allies informed us of the situation through Taiwan’s embassies in advance, MOFA stated.The ministry further clarified that the CELAC forum is a routine international meeting and that the officials attended in capacities that did not represent their respective governments.

Diplomatic context

Haiti and Saint Lucia are among the 12 states worldwide that recognize Taiwan,officially the Republic of China (ROC),rather of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Their presence at the China-CELAC forum sparked concerns, especially considering that other CELAC members with ties to Taiwan—Guatemala, Paraguay, Belize, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—did not attend.

Historical Precedent

Records indicate that this isn’t the first time Taiwan’s allies have participated in CELAC forums in China. Haiti (in 2015) and St. Lucia (in 2018) have attended previous forums, suggesting that such participation is not entirely unprecedented.

Recent Diplomatic Shifts

Taiwan has experienced a reduction in its number of diplomatic allies in recent years. Since May 2016, following the election of former President Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Taiwan has lost 10 allies to the PRC, largely due to strained cross-strait relations. Five of these nations—Panama,Dominican Republic,El Salvador,Nicaragua,and Honduras—were located in Latin America.

Expert Analysis

The China-CELAC forum serves as a platform for China to strengthen its relationships with latin American and Caribbean nations. According to Boston university Global Growth Policy Center, the forum is part of ongoing dialogues between China and Latin American countries [1]. These discussions often lay the groundwork for sector-specific engagements. The Diplomat notes that the forum is part of China’s diplomatic efforts in the Americas [2].

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is CELAC?
  the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is a regional bloc of Latin American and Caribbean nations.
• How many countries recognize Taiwan?
  As of May 2025, 12 states worldwide recognize Taiwan.
• Why is Taiwan concerned about these meetings?
  China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and seeks to isolate it diplomatically.