OUAGADOUGOU/TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan lost its second diplomatic ally in less than a month on Thursday when Burkina Faso said it had cut ties with the self-ruled island, following intense Chinese pressure on African countries to break with what it regards as a wayward province.

Flags of Taiwan (2nd-R) and Burkina Faso (R) are seen inside the Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei, Taiwan May 24, 2018. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Taiwan now has only one diplomatic ally left in Africa – the tiny kingdom of Swaziland - and formal relations with just 18 countries worldwide, many of them poor nations in Central America and the Pacific like Belize and Nauru.

The Burkinabe foreign ministry’s statement made no direct mention of China, but said “the evolution of the world and the socio-economic challenges of our country and region push us to reconsider our position”.

Speaking at a hastily arranged news conference in Taipei, President Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan would not engage in “dollar diplomacy” and denounced Beijing’s methods.

“China toys with dollar diplomacy and promises huge sums of money to entice many countries to build relations,” Tsai said.

“I want to emphasise again that China’s pressure will only lead to Taiwan’s ties with its partners in the international community getting closer. We will not cower at all.”

Taiwan has accused China of luring its friends away with offers of generous aid packages. China denies this, and says Taiwan is a part of China with no right to formal diplomatic ties with any other country.

Speaking shortly before the president, Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said he had offered his resignation to her.

Wu said that Taiwan cannot compete with China’s financial resources.

“I along with our country’s people feel sad, angry and regretful,” he said.

“China grabbing our allies and giving us pressure in the diplomatic space will not shrink the distance across the (Taiwan) strait and will not let cross-strait relations walk on a peaceful, friendly path.”

The finance ministry said it would immediately end its aid programs in Burkina and that Taiwan would close its embassy there.

China’s foreign ministry said in a brief statement it welcomed Burkina to “join in China-Africa friendly cooperation as soon as possible”.

GROWING HOSTILITY

Taiwan is China’s most sensitive territorial issue.

China’s hostility to Taiwan has grown since Tsai’s election as president in 2016, as Beijing fears she wishes to push for the island’s formal independence, a red line for China. She says she wants to maintain the status quo.

China is Africa’s largest trade partner, with massive investments in mining, construction and banking, though it has been less active to date in Burkina.

China is hosting a summit of African leaders in September in Beijing, where it will likely offer new pledges of aid and preferential loans.

In March, China said it was in the best interests of Taiwan’s allies to recognize an “irresistible trend” and ditch Taipei in favor of “one China” ruled by Beijing.

Burkina is the fourth country to cut ties with Taiwan since Tsai came to office, following the Dominican Republic, Sao Tome and Principe and Panama.

The Vatican is possibly next, as the Holy See and China edge closer to an accord on the appointment of bishops there.

Taiwan says the Republic of China, its official name, is a sovereign country with the right to develop relations with other countries.

Slideshow (2 Images)

Some countries have switched back and forth between Beijing and Taipei several times.

This is the second time Burkina has cut ties with Taiwan. It last did so in 1973, before resuming relations with Taipei in 1994.</s>Burkina Faso has cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

China has been applying pressure on the few remaining African countries with diplomatic ties with Taiwan to cut them.

“This decision is guided by the firm desire of the government of Burkina Faso to defend the interests of Burkina Faso and its people in the concert of nations,” the ministry said in a statement, which made no direct mention of China.

Burkina Faso is among the very small number of African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Burkina-Taiwan diplomatic relations have witnessed several ebbs and flows over the past five decades.

Originated in 1961, the relations between them lasted only one decade ending when the UN recognized China.

Gen. Sangoule Lamizana, president of Burkina at that time, shifted the weight in favor of China.

However this bonhomie lasted only two decades and Blaise Compaore sought restoration of relations with decades old friend Taiwan in 1994.

However, this time the relations between the two, observed new momentum and rhythm as the two governments engaged in making the Taipei-Ouagadougou axis an exemplary one.

According to Reuters: “In 2008 alone, Taiwan exported around 150 million dollars worth of goods to Burkina Faso, while Burkina Faso exported about 8.45 million dollars worth of goods to Taiwan, in which cotton held the biggest share at 99%.”

In addition to the dynamic economic cooperation between the countries, Taiwan provides capacity building to professionals from Burkina in the health and agriculture sectors.

The integrity of the good relations between the two countries can be judged by the numerous high official visits between them.

Since 1994, Blaise Compaore made 10 official visits to Taiwan.

The changing political patterns in Burkina’s recent history marked by the departure of Compaore and the formation of a new government of transition are observed and followed closely by both Taiwan and China.

China’s maneuver to isolate Taiwan from the international community has been countered by Burkina Faso who time and again offered its diplomatic channels to Taiwan.

As far as Taipei is concerned, they strongly believe that Ouagadougou will remain on their side despite the deposing of Compaore.</s>The Sahel state of Burkina Faso announced Thursday that it was breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

"The Burkina government decided today to break off its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan," Foreign Minister Alpha Barry said, in an announcement that follows a string of similar moves by African states since 2000.

"Since 1994, Burkina Faso has had cooperation relations with Taiwan," Barry said in a statement.

"But today, changes in the world, the current socio-economic challenges facing our country and our region call on us to reconsider our position."</s>Taiwan is set to break off diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso with immediate effect after the African country had announced similar intention earlier, Taiwan's foreign ministry officials told EFE Thursday.

The Taiwanese ministry has convened a press conference at 7:30 pm in which it is expected to officially announce Taiwan's decision.</s>OUAGADOUGOU: Burkina Faso has cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

China has been applying pressure on the few remaining African countries with diplomatic ties with Taiwan to cut them.

"This decision is guided by the firm desire of the government of Burkina Faso to defend the interests of Burkina Faso and its people in the concert of nations," the ministry said in a statement, which made no direct mention of China.</s>Burkina Faso has officially severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan, the Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation Minister, Alpha Barry, announced Thursday at a press briefing in Ouagadougou.“Since 1994, Burkina Faso had cooperative relations with Taiwan, but today the evolution of the world; the current socio-economic challenges of our country; and our region recommends that we reconsider our position,” Barry declared, adding: “this is why the government of Burkina has decides today to sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan.”

According to the head of Burkinabe diplomacy, “this decision was guided by the firm will to defend the interests of Burkina Faso and its people in the comity of nations, and forge better partnerships in order to consolidate the socio-economic development of our country and facilitate regional and sub-regional projects.”

Foreign minister Barry revealed that he received instructions from President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, who asked him to make all the necessary arrangements for the closure of the Burkina Faso embassy in Taipei and Taiwan’s chancery in Ouagadougou.</s>Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu Thursday tendered his resignation after Burkina Faso announced it was breaking diplomatic ties with the island.

“As a government official, I must be responsible for policies, and I have verbally tendered my resignation to the president,” Wu told a press conference.

Wu added that Taipei was cutting relations with Burkina Faso “to safeguard our sovereignty and dignity” and halting bilateral aid and cooperation programmes.

Burkina Faso is the second country to dump Taiwan within weeks after after Dominican Republic switched recognition to Beijing earlier this month, leaving the island with only 18 diplomatic allies around the world.

It was not immediately clear if Burkina Faso and China would establish diplomatic relations but Wu said it would only be “sooner or later” and that “everyone knows China is the only factor”.

“Why China chose now to steal our ally, everyone can see although we couldn’t go into the WHA (World Health Assembly), but we are developing deeper relations with more and more like-minded countries. I believe China can see this,” he said.

Wu’s comments came after the landlocked west African state said earlier Thursday that it was breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

“The Burkina government decided today to break off its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan,” Foreign Minister Alpha Barry said, in an announcement that follows a string of similar moves by African states since 2000.

“Since 1994, Burkina Faso has had cooperation relations with Taiwan,” Barry said in a statement.

“But today, changes in the world, the current socio-economic challenges facing our country and our region call on us to reconsider our position.”

China still considers Taiwan to be a renegade province to be reunified, by force if necessary, even though they split in 1949 after a civil war.

The two have been engaged for years in a diplomatic tug-of-war in developing countries. Economic support and other aid are often used as bargaining chips for diplomatic recognition.

Relations between Taiwan and China have worsened since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in May 2016 as her government refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of “one China.”</s>Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu Thursday tendered his resignation after Burkina Faso announced it was breaking diplomatic ties with the island.

“As a government official, I must be responsible for policies, and I have verbally tendered my resignation to the president,” Wu told a press conference.

Wu added that Taipei was cutting relations with Burkina Faso “to safeguard our sovereignty and dignity” and halting bilateral aid and cooperation programmes.

Burkina Faso is the second country to dump Taiwan within weeks after after Dominican Republic switched recognition to Beijing earlier this month, leaving the island with only 18 diplomatic allies around the world.

The move also left Taiwan with only one ally in Africa — eSwatini (formerly Swaziland). It was the fourth ally Taiwan lost since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016.

It was not immediately clear if Burkina Faso and China would establish diplomatic relations but Wu said it would only be “sooner or later” and that “everyone knows China is the only factor”.

“Why China chose now to steal our ally, everyone can see although we couldn’t go into the WHA (World Health Assembly), but we are developing deeper relations with more and more like-minded countries. I believe China can see this,” he said.

Wu’s comments came after the landlocked west African state said earlier Thursday that it was breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

“The Burkina government decided today to break off its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan,” Foreign Minister Alpha Barry said, in an announcement that follows a string of similar moves by African states since 2000.

“Since 1994, Burkina Faso has had cooperation relations with Taiwan,” Barry said in a statement.

“But today, changes in the world, the current socio-economic challenges facing our country and our region call on us to reconsider our position.”

China still considers Taiwan to be a renegade province to be reunified, by force if necessary, even though they split in 1949 after a civil war.

The two have been engaged for years in a diplomatic tug-of-war in developing countries. Economic support and other aid are often used as bargaining chips for diplomatic recognition.

Relations between Taiwan and China have worsened since Beijing-sceptic Tsai came to power as her government refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of “one China.”

“China stealing our allies, pressuring our international space won’t shrink the distance across the strait and won’t allow for peaceful, friendly development of cross-strait relations,” Wu added.

The Dominican Republic announced on May 1 the termination of its 77-year diplomatic relations with Taiwan to recognise China, in a move Taipei blamed on “dollar diplomacy”.

According to some reports, last year Beijing allegedly offered $50 billion to Burkina Faso to establish relations but the country turned it down.

Tsai dropped a plan to visit Burkina Faso in April during her first trip to Africa since taking office after its president was unable to receive her, citing scheduling conflicts.

Tsai’s government is trying to enhance Taiwan’s international profile but faces a concerted attempt by Beijing to shrink its space on global platforms.

Beijing has stepped up pressure on her government by blocking Taiwan from attending a growing list of international events and staging a string of military drills around the island.

Taiwan has accused the World Health Organization of giving in to pressure from China after it was not invited to the WHA, which is underway in Geneva.</s>Burkina Faso has cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the foreign ministry of the West African country said on Thursday.

Beijing has been applying pressure on the few remaining African countries with diplomatic ties with Taiwan to cut them.

“This decision is guided by the firm desire of the government of Burkina Faso to defend the interests of Burkina Faso and its people in the concert of nations,” the ministry said in a statement, which made no direct mention of mainland China.

Payback time? The links between Beijing, the Dominican Republic and Tsai Ing-wen’s pro-independence appointments

Taipei also lost its major ally in Latin America, the Dominican Republic, on May 1.

Taiwan split from mainland China after the end of a civil war in 1949 and Beijing campaigns relentlessly to isolate the island globally.

It cut off relations with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen’s government soon after she took office in 2016 and has been steadily ratcheting up both diplomatic and economic pressure.

With the loss of its West African ally on Thursday, the number of countries that maintain full diplomatic ties with Taiwan has been reduced to 18.</s>Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen lashed out at China on Thursday after Burkina Faso broke diplomatic ties with the island, the second country to do so this month.

The move, which has been welcomed by China, comes after the Dominican Republic switched recognition to Beijing earlier this month, leaving Taiwan with only 18 diplomatic allies around the world.

Although it was not immediately clear if Burkina Faso and China would establish diplomatic relations, officials in Taipei said it was only a matter of time and blamed Beijing for the setback.

"China's crude behaviours to undermine our sovereignty have already challenged the bottom line of Taiwan's society. We will not tolerate it anymore," President Tsai told reporters without elaborating.

Tsai accused Beijing of using "dollar diplomacy" to lure away the island's allies.

She added that Beijing's moves reflected "insecurity and lack of confidence.... The more crude their behaviour, the more it sparks international repulsion".

The foreign ministry in Beijing said in a statement that "we welcome Burkina Faso's early accession to the Sino-African friendship and cooperation family based on the one-China principle."

Relations between Taiwan and China have worsened since Beijing-sceptic Tsai came to power as her government refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of "one China".

China still considers Taiwan to be a renegade province to be reunified, by force if necessary, even though they split in 1949 after a civil war.

The two have been engaged for years in a diplomatic tug-of-war in developing countries. Economic support and other aid are often used as bargaining chips for diplomatic recognition.

Taiwan can now claim only one ally in Africa -- eSwatini (formerly Swaziland). Burkina Faso was the fourth country to cut ties with Taipei since Tsai took office two years ago.

The Dominican Republic announced on May 1 the termination of its 77-year diplomatic relationship with Taiwan to recognise China.

The small African nation of Sao Tome switched recognition to Beijing in late 2016, followed by Panama in June last year.

Burkina Faso said earlier Thursday that it was severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan for the second time. The country terminated relations with Taipei first in 1973 but restored them in 1994.

"But today, changes in the world, the current socio-economic challenges facing our country and our region call on us to reconsider our position," said Foreign Minister Alpha Barry.

The decision prompted Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu Thursday to tender his resignation, pending Tsai's approval.

Wu said that Taipei was cutting relations with Burkina Faso "to safeguard our sovereignty and dignity" and halting bilateral aid and cooperation programmes.

According to some reports, last year Beijing allegedly offered $50 billion to Burkina Faso to establish relations but the landlocked west African state turned it down.

Tsai dropped a plan to visit the country in April during her first trip to Africa since taking office after its president was unable to receive her, citing scheduling conflicts.

Wu said Taipei already felt "a little unease" at that time.

Tsai's government is trying to enhance Taiwan's international profile but faces a concerted attempt by Beijing to shrink its space on global platforms.

Beijing has stepped up pressure on her government by blocking Taiwan from attending a growing list of international events and staging a string of military drills around the island.

Taiwan has accused the World Health Organization of giving in to pressure from China after it was not invited to a major meeting that is underway in Geneva.
Burkina Faso breaks diplomatic relations with Taiwan.