Taiwan tells Malawi to choose between Taipei and Beijing

Taipei - Taiwan, concerned about its African ally Malawi's plan to recognize China, told Malawi on Friday to choose between Taipei and Beijing. "China plans to launch a new diplomatic offensive against Taiwan during the Christmas and New Year holidays. China has pledged billions of dollars, but whether China can honour its promises, no one knows. Our diplomatic allies must make a cautious choice between Taiwan and China," Foreign Minister James Huang said.

"China has strategic ambitions for Africa, for Africa's natural resources, while Taiwan keeps its promise and cares about local people's livelihood. Which one you want to choose to be your friend, our African allies must make a wise decision," he said.

Huang said Taiwan is still communicating with Malawi's leaders and will try its best to maintain ties.

Malawi is among the 24 countries which recognize Taiwan. Taiwan has spent huge amounts of money to prevent them from recognizing China, which is trying to match Taiwan's donations and aid.

On December 21, the Malawian newspaper Nyasa Times reported that President Bingu wa Mutharika had approved recognizing China, and two Cabinet ministers, Minister of Presidential and Parliamentary Affairs Davis Katsonga and Minister of Energy and Mining Henry Chimunthu Banda, accompanied by two Foreign Ministry officials, were to fly to Beijing via Bangkok Monday.

They would sign a memorandum of understanding to pave the way for launching diplomatic ties, the paper said.

In the past week, Minister Huang has summoned Malawi's ambassador to the Foreign Ministry twice to seek clarification on Malawi's plan to recognize China. The ambassador insisted Malawi-Taiwan ties remain unchanged.