Public diplomacy and the diplomatic truce: Taiwan and the People's Republic of China (PRC) in El Salvador

As one of the 23 nation-states continuing to diplomatically recognise the Republic of China (Taiwan) and not the People's Republic of China (PRC), El Salvador presents an interesting and little-known case study of public diplomacy's increasing contribution to the China dispute. With the provision of specific detail on the activities of Taiwan and the PRC in El Salvador and its neighbours, this article addresses the changing motives of public diplomacy brought about by the agreement of a Diplomatic Truce in 2008. In doing so, the article advances the understanding of public diplomacy by discussing its influence when formal diplomatic ties are under curfew and, as such, makes a contribution to the study of the relationship between public diplomacy and foreign policy.