Speculation on which of Taiwan’s remaining 19 allies will be next to break diplomatic ties

After the Dominican Republic abruptly severed its 77-year-old ties with Taiwan, many are now asking which of Taiwan''s remaining allies might be the next to protect their relations with China. Despite particular scrutiny over the relationship with Haiti, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu says officials are more concerned about the status of ties with Honduras, the Vatican, and Burkina Faso.A sad sight: Taiwan’s flag being lowered at the embassy in the Dominican Republic, after the two nations severed diplomatic ties. The day before the relationship ended, President Tsai Ing-wen hosted a visit from Antonio Rodrigue, the Foreign Minister of Haiti – some see the alliance with Haiti as the next one in danger.Joseph Wu (May 1)Foreign MinisterThe Foreign Minister of Haiti has been in Taiwan over the last few days. The purpose of his visit was to arrange a visit to Taiwan by their President, JovenelMoise. So, in light of this, I don’t think there is any crisis in our diplomatic relationship with Haiti. Presently, what we see is, apart from the situation with the Dominican Republic which was rather out of the ordinary, what we see at the moment with our other diplomatic allies is that relations seem to be stable.Foreign Minister Joseph Wu says there is nothing to worry about in relation to Haiti. But the ministry admits it is keeping a beady eye on Honduras, the Vatican, and Burkina Faso, all of whom have been getting increasingly chummy with China lately.Wang Ting-YuDPP LegislatorI don’t think Haiti will break ties, because the Haitian president is just about to visit. Right now in Latin America, it’s true there is another country with a warning light flashing over it, which means we need to pay close attention. I believe our team on the frontlines in the Foreign Ministry, and senior national security personnel, are doing all they can to consolidate these ties.Legislator Wang Ting-yu also revealed that the Foreign Ministry has at least two nations lined up as potential candidates for establishing diplomatic relations. But when the stakes surrounding national security and regional politics are so high, they will consider Taiwan’s interests carefully before making any hasty moves.