China Cheers as Taiwan Splits With One of Last Few Friends
- Break with Sao Tome underscores risks of spat with Beijing
- Falling out leaves Taipei with only 21 diplomatic partners
QuickTake: Taiwan's Political Tightrope
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Taiwan’s loss of one of its few remaining diplomatic partners highlights President Tsai Ing-wen’s growing risk of isolation amid an escalating spat with China.
The split between Taiwan and the West African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe cuts to 21 the number of nations that recognize the government in Taipei, rather than Beijing. The falling out was welcomed by China’s foreign ministry Wednesday as Taiwan accused Sao Tome of making “astronomical” demands for fiscal aid to maintain ties.