"The Republic of China and the Republic of Vanuatu signed a communiquetoday to recognize each other and open full diplomatic relationship,"foreign minister Chen Tan-sun told a press conference."We pledge to strengthen bilateral ties with expanded trade and exchangeof visit by top officials," said Chen, flanked by Vanuatu Prime MinisterSerge Vohor during the announcement.The announcement was made after Chen inked a communique with Vohor, whovisited Taiwan's rival China in September.

Vohor had pledged to support Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations,World Health Oroganization and other regional and global bodies, Chen said.During his trip to the mainland, Vohor met Chinese President Hu Jintao andPrime Minister Wen Jiabao on September 10, reaffirming Vanuatu wouldcontinue the one-China policy.China has insisted Taiwan is part of the Chinese territory awaitingreunification despite their split in 1949 at the end of a civil war.Vanuatui becomes the latest of 27 countries - mostly in Latin America andAfrica - which recognize Taipei instead of Beijing as the legal governmentof all China.Taiwan and China have engaged in a diplomatic tug-of-war to lurediplomatic allies, offering generous aid packages and assistance inagricultural and educational development.

Source: Tahiti Presse