Taipei: Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has announced plans to increase its budget by NT$1 billion (US$32.86 million) for Latin American countries in fiscal year 2026. This budgetary boost aims to strengthen ties with the region, where seven of Taiwan’s twelve diplomatic allies are situated. The budget proposal has been submitted to lawmakers for review.
According to Focus Taiwan, MOFA’s Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs intends to spend a total of NT$5.3 billion in 2026, which is NT$1 billion more than the allocation for 2025. The funds are designated for enhancing and promoting both bilateral and multilateral exchanges in the region.
The proposed budget, once approved, will support Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in building infrastructure and training professionals. Additionally, part of the budget will be allocated to cooperation projects with non-allied countries. A diplomatic source familiar with Latin American affairs explained that the region’s vastness and the presence of seven allies necessitate the budget increase, especially amid rising demands and inflation-driven travel costs.
MOFA is set to launch several significant projects in the Latin American and Caribbean region as part of its Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. This initiative, launched by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung in May 2024, seeks to deepen relationships with allies and like-minded countries, fostering their development and solidifying diplomatic ties.
MOFA is also integrating resources from various government ministries and agencies to export smart solutions in sectors like semiconductors, new energy, smart medicine, and sustainable tourism to its allies. To counter China’s influence, an additional NT$53.84 million will be allocated to workshops and events with local governments, think tanks, academia, NGOs, and media in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The initiative comes in response to Taiwan’s diplomatic challenges, as it has lost ten allies to the People’s Republic of China since May 2016, including five from Latin America. This strategic budget increase reflects Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to maintain and strengthen its global alliances.
