Taiwan navy flotilla visits Central America, Caribbean to help bolster diplomatic ties
Taipei feeling the pressure after some of its few international allies have switched allegiance to Beijing
A Taiwanese navy flotilla docked in Nicaragua on Monday in a high-profile visit to highlight its ties to its remaining allies in Central America and Caribbean countries as Beijing presses countries in the region to drop diplomatic relations.
The three vessels – described as being on a training mission – powered into Corinto, a port town on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, in a visit “to strengthen the ties of friendship”, Nicaraguan officials and Taiwanese diplomats said.
Some of the 800 crew members who disembarked put on a Taekwondo martial arts display after an inspection by Nicaraguan military brass.
The warships were Pan Shi, a modern and sleek Fast Combat Support Ship, Pan Chao, an older, US-designed frigate, and Kuen Wing, a more recent, French-made stealth frigate.
They were to stay in port for three days, with the crew of officers, sailors and cadets taking part with the Nicaraguan military in joint training activities, the Taiwanese embassy said.