Taiwan head plans Caribbean visit

For all those hoping for increased Taiwan-Latin America interests, this might be your chance. Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian will visit Latin America and the Caribbean in January to attend a Guatemala inauguration and visit a few islands.

During his campaign, Guatemala's President-elect Alvaro Colom pledged to preserve diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

These are some of the 24 small countries that recognize Taiwan.

Guatemala, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia and Haiti are among the 24 small countries which recognize Taiwan. China, which sees Taiwan as its breakaway province, is wooing Taiwan's allies to drop Taipei and recognize Beijing.