A few days ago, the Solomon Islands, Taiwan’s largest ally in the Pacific, recognised China.
Beijing’s success in encouraging the island grouping to do so is the latest indication of the way in which China’s international influence continues to grow.
The decision by the Solomon Islands’ government came despite Australia, its traditional regional partner, and the US both placing pressure on it, in part out of concern that its recognition of China may cause other smaller Pacific nations to break with Taipei.