Taiwan's Vice President Annette Lu departed for Latin America Monday to strengthen diplomatic ties, one month after Costa Rice dropped Taipei to recognize China, according to dpa. Lu will visit the Dominican Republic, Paraguay and Guatemala and may pass through Pamana also. She will make a transit stop in the US cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles en route to Latin America and on her return journey. The official purpose of her trip is to attend celebrations marking five decades of Taiwanese-Paraguayan friendship, but Taiwan press said this is a damage-control trip to prevent Taiwan's remaining Latin American allies from recognizing China. After Costa Rica abandoned Taiwan, the island nation is now recognized by only 24, mostly small nations, half of which are in Latin America.
