Channel News Asia
Date: 08 Sep 2019
TAIPEI: The Solomon Islands' top diplomat is set to arrive in Taiwan on Sunday (Sep 8), Taipei's
Relations between Beijing and Taipei have plummeted since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016 AFP/Sam YEH
In a statement on Saturday, Taipei said Solomons foreign minister Jeremiah Manele will meet Taiwan's Pesident Tsai Ing-wen and his Taiwanese counterpart Joseph Wu during a five-day visit.
The Solomons are among only 17 nations to recognise Taiwan, but Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare vowed to review the relationship after he was elected in April.
A switch would reduce the number of nations backing Taiwan as well as boost China's influence among the strategically important Pacific islands.
Taiwan is a democratic self-ruled island but Beijing regards it as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary. [FULL STORY]