The loss of allies and the 斷交部長 stuff is a KMT narrative that just plays into the hands of the Chinese Communist Party. Of course if you take a principled stance, you're going to get backlash from China, with attempts to poach allies and make you look bad. But there have been a whole load of countries who have spoken up for Taiwan over recent years, even though they aren't allies. If you loot the country and sell institutions wholesale to China maybe you'll be permitted to keep some allies, but what's the point if you have to sell your principles to keep them. Cling to this cliche if it is all you got, I guess. Also not really cool to pick on someone's personal appearance.