Tsai Ing-wen vows to safeguard democracy and freedom

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen vowed to safeguard Taiwan's democracy and freedom on Friday after Nicaragua switched diplomatic ties to China.

"The more successful Taiwan's democracy, and the greater the international support, then the greater the pressure from the authoritarian camp," Tsai said as she spoke during the 25th anniversary of Council of Indigenous People in Taipei.

"Whether it's diplomatic pressure or military intimidation, we will not change our determination to adhere to democracy and freedom, to go on the international stage, and to participate in the international democratic community," she added.

Taiwan lost Nicaragua as a diplomatic ally after the Central American country said it would officially recognize only China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed "sadness and regret" and said it would immediately recall its diplomatic staff.

The move leaves Taiwan with 14 countries globally that officially recognize it.

China has been poaching Taiwan's diplomatic allies over the past few years, cutting down the number of countries that recognize the democratic, self-governed island as a sovereign nation.

China is against Taiwan representing itself in global forums or in diplomacy.