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| Malawi severs links with Taiwan | Malawi severs links with Taiwan |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Malawi has announced that it is cutting diplomatic relations with Taiwan. | |
| The move came as Chinese state media announced the African country had established ties with rival Beijing. | |
| Before the announcement, Malawi was one of the few countries to maintain ties with Taiwan, which China regards as part of its territory. | Before the announcement, Malawi was one of the few countries to maintain ties with Taiwan, which China regards as part of its territory. |
| Malawi cancelled a meeting with Taiwanese officials earlier this month, raising speculation that such a diplomatic move might take place. | Malawi cancelled a meeting with Taiwanese officials earlier this month, raising speculation that such a diplomatic move might take place. |
| Malawian Foreign Minister Joyce Banda read out a joint statement from the governments in Beijing and Blantyre. | |
| The statement said that "in conformity with the desires of the two peoples", China and Malawi established diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level from 28 December 28, 2007. | |
| "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. | |
| Most of Taiwan's 23 states with which Taiwan retains diplomatic ties are small, poor countries in South America, Africa and the South Pacific. |