COMMENT | China has quite effectively isolated Taiwan from the world stage in its relentless drive to eventually take over the island by force, if necessary.

At one time, Taiwan occupied the China seat in the United Nations and enjoyed diplomatic ties and recognition with several UN member nations. 

Then it had to give up its hot seat to China after the UN recognised the Chinese Communist Party’s legitimate claim to being the sole representative government of mainland China.

From then on, the tide turned against Taiwan as many nations severed diplomatic relations with Taipei in favour of China.

Today, only 12 countries recognise the island republic. Even this handful of largely poor countries may soon fall into China’s orbit if Beijing comes knocking on their doors with its business cases bulging with multi-billion yuan contracts.