The China Pivot

Taiwan has lost another ally to its longstanding rival: China. The Dominican Republic cut ties with Taipei earlier this week in favor of closer ties to Beijing amid accusations that the Chinese government paid the Dominicans $3.1 billion in investments and loans to sever its relations with the island. China denied the payout.

The duo have long jostled for influence on the global stage in an effort to drum up support for their governments' position. Taiwan considers itself an independent democracy, while China says it is a rogue province with no right to conduct its own international affairs. 

What is clear is that the Caribbean nation's pivot is part of a larger trend that sees Taiwan finding it harder to keep allies vis-à-vis a wealthy and politically strong China. It now only has formal ties with 19 countries, such as Guatemala and Burkina Faso. The question remains how long will Taipei be able to maintain those connections as China's influence grows.

This Reuters piece delves into the backdrop behind the Dominican decision to switch allegiances, painting a picture of the conundrum the rest of Taiwan's allies find itself in: who pays the most?