Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen left for Panama and Paraguay on Friday, marking her first foreign trip since taking over the office last month. Both countries are among the 22 countries that officially recognize the island nation.

Tsai said at Taoyuan International Airport that her first foreign visit is aimed at enhancing Taiwan's international profile, meeting Taiwanese citizens living in both countries, and fostering economic ties with Latin American countries.  

Like Us on Facebook

Tsai will meet presidents of both countries during her visit. In Panama, she will hold a meeting with representatives of some of Taiwan's top diplomatic allies, including the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and El Salvador.                       

During her stay in Paraguay, the Taiwanese president will address the country's parliament after meeting the Paraguayan leader. Tsai will return to Taiwan on June 2.

Tsai's first foreign visit assumes immense importance in the wake of China's sustained effort to poach Taiwan's remaining foreign allies. This strategy greatly helps Beijing put pressure on Taiwan's new government, which is ideologically opposed to the "One China" principle.   

In March, China successfully lured Gambia away from Taiwan, in a bid to further internationally isolate the island nation. Experts say China uses all its diplomatic and economic clout to discourage prominent countries from establishing diplomatic ties with the island nation.

Taiwan's 22 allies are small and poor countries that mostly hail from Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the South Pacific. The Taiwanese government continuously provides economic assistance and aid to these countries for their diplomatic support.

TagsTaiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, China and Taiwan, Cross-Strait relation