Last February, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced an ambitious goal for the coming years: to establish more representative offices in African nations. This move is not just a bold step for Taiwan but an emerging necessity. As global dynamics shift, building strong relationships with African countries becomes increasingly important for Taiwan. However, this journey is fraught with challenges, primarily due to China’s significant influence in the region.
Establishing ties with African nations is a steep uphill climb for Taiwan. Beijing has long cultivated robust relationships with African countries, leveraging economic aid and investment as diplomatic tools. China’s engagement in Africa is multifaceted and deeply entrenched, making it difficult for Taiwan to penetrate the market. However, Taiwan possesses unique strengths in diplomacy and technical expertise, which can serve as a foundation for building a bridge to Africa.
Despite the difficulties, Taiwan has made notable inroads in the region. It has established a solid relationship with Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and even with the unrecognized state of Somaliland. These relationships highlight Taiwan’s capability to forge meaningful connections despite the geopolitical hurdles posed by China. Taiwan’s approach contrasts with China’s; instead of overwhelming economic influence, Taiwan offers specialized knowledge and technological assistance, which can be highly beneficial for African nations.
Taiwan’s efforts to increase its presence in Africa are not new. Historically, Taiwan had formal diplomatic relations with around 30 African countries. However, after China gained the UN seat as the legitimate representative of China in 1971, African nations began to shift their recognition from Taiwan to China. This shift was driven by China’s growing economic power and its strategic investments in Africa. Today, China has diplomatic relations with 54 out of 55 African countries, leaving Taiwan with only one official ally on the continent, Eswatini.
The struggle for diplomatic recognition between Taiwan and China has been intense and complex. During the Cold War, Taiwan’s economic power allowed it to win recognition from several African countries in need of financial assistance. However, as China’s economic might grew, it began to attract more African countries. Beijing’s strategy included significant investments in trade and development, which appealed to many African nations. Consequently, Taiwan’s competitive advantage diminished, and its presence in Africa dwindled.
In recent decades, Taiwan has adapted its strategy, focusing on establishing unofficial ties. Currently, Taiwan has representative offices in South Africa, Somaliland, and Nigeria, along with TAITRA (Taiwan External Trade Development Council) offices in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Algeria. These offices play a crucial role in maintaining economic relations with countries that officially recognize China.
The beginning of the 21st century marked a significant political shift in Taiwan with the election of Chen Shui-bian from the Democratic Progressive Party in 2000. This peaceful transfer of power ended the Kuomintang’s half-century dominance. The new President sought to assert Taiwan’s position on the global stage and undertook state visits to African and Central American allies to strengthen diplomatic ties. Despite these efforts, Taiwan’s African allies continued to switch allegiance to China for economic and developmental benefits. Countries like Liberia, Gambia, and Burkina Faso shifted their recognition to China within a few years of democratizing. Economic incentives from China, such as interest-free loans and significant trade growth, played a pivotal role in these switches.
China views Africa as a vital source of natural resources and a promising market for its businesses. Its soft power and proactive foreign policy, including peacekeeping missions, support for UN reforms, and the creation of platforms like the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the China-Africa Development Fund, have helped win over many African nations.
The diplomatic landscape saw a temporary truce after Taiwan’s second democratic transfer of power in 2008, with the Kuomintang’s election win leading to warmer cross-strait relations. Both Taiwan and China agreed to a diplomatic truce, refraining from pursuing formal relations with states recognizing the other. However, this truce did not last beyond the Democratic Progressive Party’s return to power in 2016, leading to China reestablishing relations with Gambia.
Today, Taiwan’s dwindling presence in Africa is a consequence of China’s formidable economic power and its success in lifting millions out of poverty, presenting an attractive model for African countries. To counter this, Taiwan has turned to establishing unofficial bilateral links. According to the Global Diplomacy Index, in 2021, Taiwan had 110 postings worldwide, including embassies and representative offices. In Africa, besides its embassy in Eswatini, Taiwan has representative offices in South Africa, Somaliland, Nigeria, and the Ivory Coast.
Taiwan has adopted multiple channels to expand its foreign relations, including the Africa Taiwan Economic Forum, founded in 2003 to address trade imbalances and promote intercultural communication and tourism. TAITRA’s offices in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Algeria further aid in fostering economic ties.
However, despite these initiatives, no African country ranks among Taiwan’s top ten trading partners. In stark contrast, China remains Africa’s largest trading partner, with trade valued at $200 billion annually.
Taiwan’s road to Africa is indeed blocked by China, but it is not an insurmountable barrier. By leveraging its strengths in diplomacy and specialized assistance, Taiwan can continue to build a bridge to Africa, one step at a time. The journey is complex and fraught with challenges, but with persistent efforts and strategic partnerships, Taiwan can enhance its presence and foster meaningful relationships in Africa.
