Since the founding of the People›s Republic of China in 1949 until the beginning of the diplomatic truce in 2008, China and Taiwan have competed for being recognized by the states. This article analyzes two of the latest episodes in this competition: Costa Rica and Nicaragua after the return to power of Oscar Arias (2006) and Daniel Ortega (2007). These cases have been chosen due to the surprise caused both by the establishment of relations between San Jose
and Beijing, in June 2007, and the continuation of Managua’s recognition to Taipei. These paradoxical decisions can be explained because Arias prioritized the economic and diplomatic opportunities provided by China, while Ortega gave preference to development cooperation and in this field Taiwan was a more willing partner than China.