As ties improve across the Taiwan Strait, observers say dramatic switches in diplomatic ties from Taiwan to the mainland during the Olympics are unlikely - but it is possible that the consensus of cordiality could be disrupted at the last minute.
Meanwhile, Pope Benedict sent China his best wishes for a successful Olympics on Sunday, saying he hoped the Games would 'offer the international community a valid example of coexistence among people of different backgrounds in the respect of mutual dignity'.
The Vatican and 22 other sovereign states recognise Taiwan, instead of Beijing, as the legitimate seat of the government of China.
As Beijing has gradually added ties in the international community, the number of Taiwan's diplomatic allies has dwindled from 68 in the early 1970s to 23 today - most of them small countries in Central and South America, Africa and the Pacific.
Pro-independence politicians warn that Beijing might use the Games as an opportunity to win over some of Taiwan's allies, but cross-strait analysts say recent developments suggest the Beijing Olympics should be calm on at least that front.
No heads of state - or even deputy heads of state - of any of Taiwan's allies will be attending today's opening of the Games, the island's Foreign Ministry announced late last month.
Beijing has invited leaders of all countries participating in the Olympics to attend the ceremony, and some of Taiwan's allies have sent officials - but only their sports ministers or Olympic committee chairmen.
