Malawi cuts ties with Taiwan

Malawi has become the latest country to cut ties with Taiwan and establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, AP reported. Citing the benefits of a diplomatic relationship with mainland China, Malawi’s foreign minister said the country formalized the new link in late December 2007. Malawi, a landlocked nation in southeastern Africa, had recognized Taiwan as the legitimate seat of Chinese government for 41 years. Taiwanese officials harshly criticized Malawi’s move, which reduced the number of countries worldwide that recognize Taiwan to 23. China has said it will provide US$6 billion in aid to the country, one of Africa’s poorest.