China welcomes Sao Tome decision to ditch Taiwan ties

Reuters

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday it welcomed an announcement from the small west African country of Sao Tome to end diplomatic relations with self-ruled Taiwan. "We have noted the statement from the government of Sao Tome and Principe on the 20th to break so-called 'diplomat' ties with Taiwan. China expresses approval of this, and welcomes Sao Tome back onto the correct path of the 'one China' principle," the ministry said in a statement. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Lincoln Feast)