Central American Parliament Expels Taiwan as Permanent Observer

Taiwan’s status as a permanent observer of the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) has been terminated after more than two decades.  It was a privilege granted by the regional organization to the non-member, allowing Taiwan the ability to participate in PARLACEN’s activities.  The six-nation parliament, including Belize, convened in Managua on August twenty-first, and local legislators proposed adding China as a replacement.  China’s growing economic influence in Latin America has increasingly sidelined Taipei.  On the home front, Senate President Carolyn Trench-Sandiford, a member of the Formosa Club, has expressed serious concern regarding the decision to expel Taiwan.  In a statement released earlier today, the President of the Senate says, “Taiwan has been and will continue to be a valuable development partner.  Throughout the years, through regional and bilateral cooperation projects, Taiwan has helped to promote democracy, good governance and the overall welfare of the people of the region.  Their efforts have been unparalleled in complementing our region’s development”.