Ties with Malawi are shaky: MOFA

Taipei, Jan. 4 (CNA) A Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
official indicated Friday Malawi's last-minute cancellation
of a visit by Taiwan's Mi nister of Foreign Affairs
James Huang to the African nation could signal bilateral ties are
shaky.
Calling the situation "unusual," MOFA acting spokeswoman Phoebe
Yeh admitted that Taiwan-Malawi relations are at a "sensitive,
delicate" stage.
The situation calls for extra attention from Taiwan,
although the African ally has repeatedly stressed its relations with
Taiwan has remained unchanged, Yeh said.
Huang left Taiwan Wednesday and was originally scheduled to
arrive in the Malawian capital of Lilongwe Thursday afternoon for a
visit aimed at cementing bilateral ties, amid reports that the
African ally may switch allegiance from Taipei to Beijing.
However, the Malawian government only notified Taiwan after
Huang's departure that it is not a convenient time for Huang to visit
the country now because Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika has
not returned to work from the New Year holiday and that Malawian
Minister of Foreign Affairs Joyce Banda has left the capital to deal
with some unexpected matter, MOFA officials said.
Banda, however, reassured Huang, who reached her by
telephone, that Taiwan-Malawi relations remain unchanged, and Banda
asked for Taiwan's understanding, MOFA officials said.
Also, Banda said the Malawian government will invite Huang to
visit the country after the holiday is over, according to the
officials.
China has been vying with Taiwan for diplomatic recognition
from Taiwan's allies in recent years, using its growing
international political and economic might. Several countries have
switched recognition from Taiwan to China in the past couple of
years, with Taiwan's remaining allies numbering only 24 currently.
As a result of the apparent snub by Malawi, Huang flew
directly to Swaziland, which was supposed
to be the second leg of his trip. Swaziland is another one of
Taiwan's allies in Africa.
According to spokeswoman Yeh, Huang has met with Swaziland Prime
Minister Themba Dlamini and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Moses Mathendele Dlamini and is scheduled to discuss with the
Swaziland government details concerning the establishment of a
bilateral cooperation protocol.
Huang will also inspect Taiwan's technical corps in Swaziland
before departing the African nation to return to Taiwan during the
weekend, she said.