Taiwan guards against changes in ties with Malawi

Taipei, Dec. 27 (CNA) Minister of Foreign Affairs James Huang admitted Thursday that there are some "unusual signs" in diplomatic relations with Malawi and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is on "high alert" following reports that China is trying to lure the country away from Taiwan with a promise of US$6 billion in aid.

Speaking to reporters after a swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed Representative to Hungary Stanley Kao and Representative to Jordan Lin Jinn-jong, Huang said that although the US$6 billion is a "fictional, even astronomical figure, " the MOFA "cannot guarantee 100 percent" that relations between Taiwan and Malawi will not waver.

Very few countries can resist such temptation, therefore it is now crucial for Taiwan to keep communicating with the Malawian authorities, he said. Nevertheless, he went on, the government will not raise the stakes for Malawi, as doing so would be "meaningless."

Noting that the 41 years of diplomatic relationship between Taiwan and Malawi is built up on bilateral cooperation and partnership, the MOFA hopes there will not be any changes and is striving to cement diplomatic ties, Huang added. (By Rachel Chan)