Taiwan Is Running Out of Friends Fast as China Turns the Screws

Tsai Ing-wen during a press conference announcing Burkina Faso cut the diplomatic relations with Taiwan on May 24.Photographer: The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images
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Taiwan’s loss of a second diplomatic ally in less than a month suggests China’s efforts to isolate the island are accelerating.

The West African nation of Burkina Faso broke off formal relations with Taipei in favor of Beijing on Thursday, reducing to 18 the number of countries that recognize Taiwan, formally known as the Republic of China. The setback -- coming just four weeks after the Dominican Republic did the same -- puts Taiwan’s fragile diplomatic position into focus as the rift with Beijing escalates.