China on Thursday refuted the Taiwanese government's allegation that it used its financial clout to force Sao Tome to break diplomatic ties with self-ruled island nation. The Chinese government claimed that Sao Tome government was correcting its "past mistake" by recognizing the "One China" policy.  

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Foreign analysts say the decision by the tiny African nation will certainly leave Taiwan in the lurch, given that it is recognized by only a handful of African and Latin American countries. Furthermore, analysts claim that decision is likely to have an impact on the already strained cross-strait relation.  

China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that the "One China" principle enjoys collective acceptance among the international community and that Sao Tome is back on the correct track of recognizing this.

She categorically refuted Taiwan's allegation that China had indulged in "dollar diplomacy" and questioned "How can the 'one China' principle be traded for money?" She also claimed that Chinese government has never used its "principles" as a bargaining chip.

Hua, however, did not reveal when China will re-establish its relationship with the former Portuguese colony?

She confirmed that a liaison office in Sao Tome was established in 2013 for initiating cultural exchanges and marginal trade between the two countries.

Sao Tome is a tiny island nation in Africa that predominately depends on cocoa exports and economic aid for sustenance.    

China Trying to Diplomatically Isolate Taiwan     

In the past, China has openly tried to poach Taiwan's allies allegedly in exchange for economic aid. The Chinese government's aggressive stance has left the self-ruled island nation completely vulnerable and diplomatically isolated.

China maintains that all countries have to acknowledge the "One China" policy if they wish to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing. Most countries in the world accept this important condition, leaving Taiwan with only a handful of allies.

Earlier this year, China openly poached the African nation, Gambia, from Taiwan in its bid to internationally isolate the island nation.  

TagsSao Tome, China and Sao Tome, China and Taiwan, Cross-Strait relation