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PoliticsTaiwan

Why Taiwan's last 12 allies support it in US-China rivalry

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Rosie Birchard | Santi Carneri
July 11, 2026

From Paraguay to Palau, just 12 countries officially recognize Taiwan, most of them small states. Why do they continue to back Taipei despite growing pressure from China?

Only 12 countries maintain official diplomatic relations with Taiwan. From Guatemala, Eswatini to Haiti, these mostly small states face growing pressure from Beijing to switch diplomatic ties.

This DW report examines why they continue to support Taipei, what they gain from the relationship, and the economic and political costs involved. It also explores how Taiwan's remaining partners have become increasingly important in the wider rivalry between China and the United States.

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