Haiti is facing acute fuel shortages due to a blockade by a coalition of gangs demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, with economic activity coming to a halt and many hospitals forced to close.

Haiti is one of only 14 countries to maintain formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry said the government was helping the Haitian government buy personal protective equipment such as bullet-proof vests from Taiwanese manufacturers.

Ministry spokeswoman, Joanne Ou, said the help was being given “in order to enhance the ability of the Haitian police to perform duties and respond to the calls of the international community and like-minded countries to improve public security in Haiti”.

Taiwan is also cooperating with the US charity Food For The Poor to provide rice to Haiti, she said.

Taiwan’s embassy in Haiti is operating normally but would make “adjustments” depending on the situation, Ou said.

Japan said on Monday it had temporarily closed its embassy in Haiti due to the worsening security and humanitarian situation there.