China plays down Gambian decision to cut ties with Taiwan

China today played down Gambia's decision to severe diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which were established over the past 18 years, but said that one-China principle has become a common understanding of the international community.
"We learned the news from foreign media reports. There was no contact between China and Gambia," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told media briefing.
"There is only one China in the world. Adherence to the one-China principle is a common understanding of the international community and supporting China to realise peaceful reunification is the general trend of the times," Hong said.
Gambia yesterday said it had cut off diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

"This decision has been taken in our strategic national interests," said a statement from President Yahya Jammeh's office, according to media reports.
The West African state was one of a few African countries to recognise Taiwan, which China regards as part of its territory.

After Gambia's surprise move Swaziland, Sao Tome, Principe and Burkina Faso are the only African countries that remain allies with Taiwan.
It is unclear if the move is linked to the development of relations with China, which has a growing influence in Africa.
Taiwan said it was surprised by Gambia's decision.
"Our government express shock and regret that Gambian President Yahya Jammeh sent a letter to our embassy in Gambia on 14 November to inform us [of] the immediate termination of ties," Vice Foreign Minister Simon Ko said in Taipei.

China has been investing heavily in Africa as it relies on the continent for oil and other natural resources.
China and Taiwan were separated in 1949, when the Chinese Communist Party overthrew the Republic of China (ROC) and founded the People's Republic on the mainland, forcing the ROC government to retreat to Taiwan. Beijing asserts Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.
Initially, most African states recognised the Taipei government but their number has steadily declined.