What's happened
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te will not attend Pope Francis's funeral, sending former Vice President Chen Chien-jen instead. This decision comes amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations with the Vatican, highlighting Taiwan's limited international recognition and the complexities of its relationship with China.
What's behind the headline?
Diplomatic Implications
- Taiwan's Isolation: With only 12 countries recognizing Taiwan, the absence of its president at such a significant event underscores its diplomatic challenges.
- Vatican's Position: The Vatican's considerations regarding international relations may indicate a cautious approach to its ties with Taiwan and China.
- Future Engagements: Lai's absence may limit opportunities for Taiwan to engage with other world leaders, further isolating it on the global stage.
Broader Context
- China's Influence: China's claim over Taiwan complicates its international relations, as Beijing pressures countries to avoid formal ties with Taipei.
- Potential Consequences: The decision may affect Taiwan's future diplomatic efforts and its quest for greater international recognition.
What the papers say
According to Helen Davidson in The Guardian, Taiwan's foreign ministry had previously emphasized the importance of Lai's attendance, but ultimately decided on Chen Chien-jen as a suitable envoy. This decision reflects the Vatican's diplomatic considerations, as noted by Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung, who stated that the Vatican had 'considerations' regarding Taiwan's representation. Bloomberg also reported on the ongoing negotiations between Taiwanese diplomats and the Vatican, highlighting the urgency of confirming arrangements before the funeral. The situation illustrates the delicate balance Taiwan must maintain in its international relations, particularly with China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory.
How we got here
Taiwan has been seeking to strengthen its diplomatic ties, particularly with the Vatican, one of its few allies. The decision for Lai not to attend the funeral reflects ongoing tensions and the delicate nature of Taiwan's international relations, especially with China.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Lai not attending?
- How does this affect Taiwan's relationship with the Vatican?
- What is China's stance on Taiwan's international recognition?
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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William Lai Ching-te is a Taiwanese politician who has been the Vice President of the Republic of China since 2020. He served as a legislator in the Legislative Yuan from 1999 to 2010, and as Mayor of Tainan from 2010 to 2017, prior to taking office as pr
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Vatican City, officially the Vatican City State, is the Holy See's independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. Vatican City became independent from Italy with the Lateran Treaty, and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive domi
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Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. Neighbouring countries include the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south.