China's Playbook To Woo Taiwan's Allies With False Promises
China is systematically shrinking Taiwan’s international space — from diplomatic pressure to economic incentives and stepped-up military intimidation — yet a growing number of governments are starting to reconsider what they’ve gained and lost. Honduras may be the clearest example: three years after switching recognition to Beijing, trade promises have fallen flat and key export industries have collapsed, fueling “buyer’s remorse” and renewed debate over ties to Taipei. This episode explores how Beijing’s carrots and sticks shape decision-making across Taiwan’s formal allies, why promised benefits often disappear after the diplomatic switch, and how Taiwan can deepen meaningful cooperation, even without official recognition. *Recorded on January 8, 2026 at 2pm Taiwan Standard Time Host: Wen-Ti Sung Producer: Chinyeh Chiang Our guests: Kitsch Liao - Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub Associate Director Peifen Hsieh - International Cooperation and Development Fund Deputy Secretary General
