Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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Kiribati Cuts Diplomatic Ties to Taiwan in Favor of China

Nike Ching

   STATE DEPARTMENT - The United States said it is deeply disappointed in
   Kiribati's decision to abandon its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, in
   favor of China.

   Several Republican and Democratic lawmakers voiced grave concerns. A
   Senate panel plans to move forward with a congressional proposal that
   could "impose consequences on nations downgrading ties with Taiwan."

   In a stern statement on Friday, a State Department spokesperson said
   "countries that establish closer ties to China primarily out of the
   hope or expectation that such a step will stimulate economic growth and
   infrastructure development often find themselves worse off in the long
   run."

   The spokesperson said the U.S. supports the status quo in cross-Strait
   relations, which includes Taiwan's diplomatic ties and international
   space, as important to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

   "China's active campaign to alter the cross-Strait status quo,
   including by enticing countries to discontinue diplomatic ties with
   Taiwan, are harmful and undermine regional stability. They undermine
   the framework that has enabled peace, stability, and development for
   decades," the spokesperson told VOA.

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