'Grave challenges'
Malawi had only recently denied it had switched its allegiances from Taipei to Beijing.But Foreign Minister Joyce Banda announced at a press conference in Blantyre that the decision had come into force on 28 December."We have decided to switch from Taiwan to mainland China after careful consideration on the benefits that we will be getting from mainland China," she said.The joint statement from Beijing and Blantyre said the decision was made "in conformity with the desires of the two peoples"."The two countries have agreed to develop friendly relationships and cooperation and the People's Republic of China will support Malawi in its efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and develop its economy," said the statement.Earlier this month, Taiwan Foreign Minister James Huang warned that the country was facing "grave challenges" in its diplomatic relations.He was speaking after his planned visit to Malawi was cancelled while he was travelling there, when President Bingu wa Mutharika said he was no longer able to meet him.Malawi's announcement follows a landslide victory in Taiwan's legislative elections at the weekend for the opposition Kuomintang Party, which supports developing closer ties with China.
As in the days of Noah....