Diplomatic Ties Broken

Panama established diplomatic ties with China and broken with Taiwan in a major victory for Beijing, which continues to lure away the dwindling number of countries that have formal relations with the self-ruled island.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has delayed a trip to Saudi Arabia, the Times newspaper reported today, but cited senior officials as saying this was unconnected to regional tensions sparked by the execution of a Shi'ite Muslim cleric.

Taiwan on Friday expressed shock and regret over Gambia's surprise announcement that it had broken off ties with the island after 18 years in its "strategic national interest".

Panama established diplomatic ties with China and broken with Taiwan in a major victory for Beijing, which continues to lure away the dwindling number of countries that have formal relations with the self-ruled island.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has delayed a trip to Saudi Arabia, the Times newspaper reported today, but cited senior officials as saying this was unconnected to regional tensions sparked by the execution of a Shi'ite Muslim cleric.

Taiwan on Friday expressed shock and regret over Gambia's surprise announcement that it had broken off ties with the island after 18 years in its "strategic national interest".