China and Sao Tome restore diplomatic ties

Beijing

CHINA signed an agreement to restore diplomatic relations with Sao Tome and Principe on Monday, just days after the small African nation announced it had cut ties with Taiwan.

The move comes amid heightened tensions between Beijing and the independence-leaning government of the self-ruled island, which Chinese leaders view as a "renegade province". Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his counterpart Urbino Botelho signed a document formalising their new relationship at the Diaoyutai State Guest House.