CHINA ANALYSIS:Yen Chen-shen said it would be risky for Beijing to try to influence other diplomatic allies of Taipei, because that might provoke Taiwanese

Taipei Times
Date: Dec 22, 2016
By: Jonathan Chin / Staff writer, with CNA

Academics yesterday said Sao Tome and Principe’s move to cut diplomatic ties were linked to US president-elect Donald Trump’s comments on Washington’s “one China” policy, while some said the African nation’s departure could trigger a domino effect among Taiwan’s 21 remaining diplomatic allies.

The severance of Taiwan-Sao Tome and Principe ties could be because of Beijing’s conviction that it must respond to Trump, who accepted a telephone call from President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) earlier this month and questioned the US’ “one China” policy, Prospect Foundation deputy director Lin Ting-hui (林廷輝) said.

Sao Tome’s announcement appears to be timed to coincide with Tsai’s state visit to Central America next month, suggesting that Beijing wanted to pre-empt any negative effects to its interests that might arise as a result of comments Tsai makes during a possible layovers in the US, Lin said.    [FULL  STORY]