Taiwan: Universities eager to support Nicaraguan students despite diplomatic split

Universities in Taiwan have said that y are considering necessary support and assistance for Nicaraguan students in light of Nicaragua's decision to switch diplomatic recognition to China, ANI reported, citing local media.    

Several universities, including National Taiwan University (NTU), National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), and National Chengchi University (NCCU) said on December 10 that y will assist Nicaraguan students in Taiwan with concerns such as finances and part-time work.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) h said on December 10 that it has yet to decide wher or not to terminate scholarships for Nicaraguan students, according to various local media reports.  MOFA and Taiwan International Corporation and Development Fund (ICDF) recently removed all scholarships for students from countries that have severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

re are currently 91 Nicaraguan students enrolled in Taiwanese universities, with at least 53 of m receiving Taiwan government scholarships from MOFA and ors receiving scholarships from Taiwan International Corporation and Development Fund (ICDF), ANI reported, Taiwan's education ministry.

Taiwanese Universities eager to assist Nicaraguan students in Taiwan

re may be some hope for four Nicaraguan students now enrolled at NTU, nine at NTNU, and six at NCCU, as three universities, along with several ors, have stated that y are eager to assist in development of financial solutions.

Students' financial situations would certainly be affected, according to Ministry of Education, but decisions of competent authorities will be respected. 

problem of scholarship students emerged after Nicaragua announced on December 9 that it was transferring diplomatic recognition to China. It prompted Taiwan to announce  termination of diplomatic relations with Central American country, as well as recall of staff from its embassy and technical mission re. Nicaragua's move to switch recognition to Beijing occurred a month after President Daniel Ortega was elected for a fourth consecutive term.

Taiwan now has 14 diplomatic allies across world, after suspension of diplomatic relations with Nicaragua. Taiwan has lost eight diplomatic allies since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016, including Burkina Faso, Panama, Sao Tome and Principe, Dominican Republic, El Salvor, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and now Nicaragua.

(With inputs from agencies, Image: AP/Representative)