AMN
China has restored diplomatic relations with the West African country of Burkina Faso. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister Alpha Barry signed a joint communique in Beijing on Saturday to resume diplomatic ties.
The move came 2 days after Burkina Faso severed relations with Taiwan, becoming the 2nd country to do so this month. The Dominican Republic cut ties with Taiwan on May 1st.
The joint communique says the government of Burkina Faso recognizes that there is but one China in the world. It adds that China’s government is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.
Speaking to reporters, Wang praised Burkina Faso for making the correct political decision that goes with the tide of the times.
Barry said the restoration of diplomatic relations with China is in line with the wishes of the people of his country.
Burkina Faso is the 4th country to sever ties with Taiwan since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen assumed office in 2016. Taiwan now has formal relations with only 18 nations, the smallest number in its history.
Taiwan is reacting sharply, blaming China for applying diplomatic pressure.
China is intensifying its criticism of the Tsai administration, which refuses to accept the “one China” principle.