Taiwan used a traditional folk ceremony as a soft-power diplomacy event, a small but positive sign for its efforts to keep international friends close.

• Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung hosted a Ghost Festival prayer ceremony in Taipei, the first time foreign envoys were invited.
• Representatives from Taiwan's 12 diplomatic allies and 12 other friendly countries took part, including Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, the US, Canada and the UK.
• Each country brought an offering for the altar — American beer, Canadian maple syrup, Asian snacks — alongside the usual flowers, fruit and meat.
• Guests were handed packs of Kuai Kuai, a Taiwanese corn snack whose name means "be good," carrying wishes for good luck and family peace.
• The point was to show off local traditions while quietly tightening ties with the shrinking group of countries that still recognize Taiwan.

Outlook: Expect more culture-first events like this as Taipei works to hold on to its remaining allies under pressure from Beijing.