Xi woos Pacific islands to curb Taiwan’s influenceBy The Manila TimesPORT MORESBY: Chinese leader Xi Jinping will sit down with seven Pacific island allies on Friday, doling out attention and perhaps some largesse in the hope of convincing more nations to drop recognition of Taiwan. “Almost a full third of Taiwan’s remaining support base is in the Pacific islands region. “China has been much more aggressive in picking off Taiwan’s support base,” said Pryke. Only 17 countries remain in Taiwan’s diplomatic circle as the self-ruling democratic island struggles to fend off Beijing’s growing influence around the globe. Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu are among those that recognise Taiwan.

Source: Manila Times November 16, 2018 03:00 UTC