BEIJING, May 13, 2025 — As China courts Taiwan allies in a calculated bid to chip away at Taipei’s diplomatic standing, St Lucia’s discreet attendance at a Beijing-hosted forum is raising serious questions about its foreign policy direction. The China-CELAC Forum (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) brought together leaders and envoys from across the hemisphere, including St Lucia and Haiti, two of the few nations that still formally recognize Taiwan.
St Lucia Presence Draws Attention as China Courts Taiwan Allies
Notably, St Lucia’s representative was Peter Lansiquot, a longtime Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) figure and outspoken advocate of closer relations with China. Although the government clarified that Lansiquot attended in a non-official, party capacity, his presence signaled an evolving geopolitical posture from the ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP).
According to Reuters, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed it had been informed in advance of the Beijing Forum attendance by both Haiti and St Lucia. The ministry stated that Haiti clarified its foreign minister was attending in his capacity as a member of CELAC, and that St Lucia specified its delegate, Peter Lansiquot, was not acting on behalf of the government, but rather in his role as a member of the Saint Lucia Labour Party. While Taipei acknowledged these explanations, officials emphasized that senior figures in both countries had repeatedly affirmed their continued friendship with Taiwan.
At the forum’s plenary session, Reuters reporters observed the flags of both St Lucia and Haiti prominently displayed. Haiti was represented by Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, while St Lucia’s representative was Peter Lansiquot. Notably absent were flags of Guatemala and Belize, two other CELAC members that also maintain ties with Taiwan, indicating varying levels of engagement among Taiwan’s remaining allies.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian described the forum as a platform for “mutually beneficial cooperation,” noting that China “welcomes all CELAC member states” regardless of formal diplomatic alignments. This diplomatic framing suggests Beijing is pursuing soft outreach while applying pressure on Taiwan’s allies to reconsider their positions.
Beijing’s Charm Offensive and the Global Diplomatic Shift
China has recently intensified its efforts to court Taiwan’s few remaining partners. Just this year, Nauru severed ties with Taipei in favor of Beijing, citing long-term national interests. Honduras made a similar decision in 2023, shifting recognition after China offered major infrastructure investments.
Now, only 11 countries (plus the Vatican) officially recognize Taiwan, including St Lucia, Belize, and Paraguay. Beijing’s strategy appears to include symbolic overtures, such as hosting Taiwanese allies at major forums. The presence of St Lucia and Haiti in Beijing underscores the shifting winds.
For a deeper look at rising tensions in the region, including recent military pressure on Taiwan and Washington’s reaction, see China’s military pressure on Taiwan and the U.S. response.
For St Lucia, whose foreign policy has long mirrored local political divisions, the global landscape adds new pressure to reassess its position.
St Lucia’s Diplomatic See-Saw Between China and Taiwan
St Lucia’s diplomatic history with China and Taiwan is one of the most volatile in the region. In 1984, the island established formal relations with Taiwan. But in 1997, under the SLP and then-Prime Minister Kenny Anthony, the government recognized Beijing.
A decade later, the United Workers Party (UWP) reversed the decision and restored ties with Taipei in 2007. Since then, St Lucia has remained aligned with Taiwan, though the SLP, historically pro-China, has flirted with changing course again.
In 2012, Prime Minister Kenny Anthony resisted pressure to switch sides, warning against St Lucia acting like a “Jack-in-the-Box” on the world stage. He emphasized stability and a wait-and-see approach regarding cross-strait tensions.
SLP’s Dual Approach: Extracting Aid While Keeping Options Open
Under the SLP’s most recent administrations, St Lucia has pursued what amounts to a “dual-track diplomacy.” While officially recognizing Taiwan, the Labour government has maintained backchannel engagements with China. The result has been a windfall of Taiwanese development aid, including millions in grants for youth centers, fire stations, and agriculture projects, while keeping diplomatic options with Beijing alive.
In 2023, Taiwan funded more than US$5 million in local projects, including community infrastructure and training programs. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre publicly praised Taiwan’s contributions, stating that “every dollar” was accounted for in visible development.
Meanwhile, SLP-aligned figures like Lansiquot continue to engage in regional forums sponsored by China, cultivating informal ties and maintaining ideological alignment.
What This Means for St Lucia’s Foreign Policy
St Lucia now stands at a diplomatic crossroads. Beijing’s willingness to welcome St Lucian participation in the China-CELAC Forum despite official ties to Taiwan signals a clear invitation for future cooperation. And with China offering deeper pockets and high-profile infrastructure deals, the pressure is mounting.
Still, Taiwan’s grassroots projects and deep community engagement across St Lucia continue to deliver real benefits. For now, Prime Minister Pierre’s government insists ties with Taiwan remain unchanged. But participation in Chinese-led forums suggests the groundwork is being quietly laid for a future pivot.
Observers believe the SLP is playing a strategic waiting game, maximizing aid from Taiwan while positioning for a potential diplomatic flip to China when the political and economic climate is right.
