DIPLOMATIC ISSUES: Haiti is one of only 23 countries that still have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, writes CLIFFORD COONANin Beijing
WHILE THE focus in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake has centred on the humanitarian effort, there is also a diplomatic stand-off taking place on the sidelines between self-ruled Taiwan and mainland China, which sees Taiwan as a rogue province.
Haiti is one of only 23 mostly small and poor countries that still have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Taipei has already sent €3.5 million to the quake zone to help with relief efforts – and to remind Haiti that Taiwan is its ally.
Taiwan, keen to display its credentials as a separate entity from the mainland, has declined to work jointly with China on relief efforts in Haiti, Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported.
For its part, China is pledging 30 million yuan (€3 million) in aid and at the weekend sent an aircraft with €1.4 million worth of medical supplies, tents and clothing to help the Haitians deal with the aftermath of last Tuesday’s earthquake.
It was mainland Chinese rescuers who found the body of Hedi Annabi, head of the UN stability mission in Haiti, and the bodies of eight Chinese peacekeeping police who were among those killed when the mission headquarters collapsed.
Taiwan has sent two missions to Haiti, totalling 56 people and two specially trained dogs, according to its foreign ministry. Taiwan’s ambassador to Haiti was injured during the quake and its embassy was destroyed.
Beijing has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since 1949, when Communist forces won the Chinese civil war and Chiang Kai-shek’s nationalist KMT fled to the island. Beijing has vowed to bring Taiwan under its rule, by force if necessary, although tension has eased since China-friendly Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou took office in 2008.
The two have long competed for global recognition, and often use cash and development projects to bring around poorer nations. Beijing also tries to block Taiwan every time it attempts to join international organisations such as the World Health Organisation.
Central America and the Caribbean are home to many of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, including Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua, Belize, St Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis.