Marshall Islands assures Taiwan on ties

MAJURO, (AFP) The new Marshall Islands government of Litokwa Tomeing has given its strongest indication yet of retaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan, saying Saturday it "cherishes" the relationship. Foreign Minister Tony deBrum made the statement when greeting visiting Taiwan Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Elizabeth Chu.

Before general elections last November, Tomeing said his western Pacific nation had wronged China by switching recognition to Taiwan in 1998 and should return its allegiance to Beijing. But he signalled a softening of his stance after the election when he named deBrum, who had crafted the move away from China, as Foreign Minister.