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A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Republic of Malawi and Mainland China paving way for establishment of diplomatic ties forced the Malawi government to reject meeting the visiting Taiwanese Foreign Minister, Nyasa Times has gathered.
Malawi has since shut the door on the Taiwan Foreign Minister James Huang who was expected in the country yesterday [Thursday] afternoon on a mission to rescue the crumbling ties.
He has since cancelled the trip according to a media release from the Central News Agency (CNA) in Malawi and confirmed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs in both countries.
Sources close to the chairperson of the China-Malawi diplomatic establishment - Minister of Presidential and Parliamentary Affairs - Davis Katsonga - say they had 'fruitful discussions' with the Chinese.
"Katsonga who signed the MoU on behalf of the Malawi government described the talks with Beijing as very fruitful and enlightening," said the source on condition of anonymity.
Under the MoU, says our source, China has told Malawi that there is only one China and therefore the 'one-China policy' must apply. Malawi has also been prevented from opening its doors for Taipei's swift moves to prevent switching the 41 year old ties.
Huang is reported to have contacted his counterpart Foreign Minister Joyce Hilda Banda – totally sidelined in the switch negotiations - on his way to Malawi but was told President Bingu wa Mutharika was on holiday and Banda would be out of the country when he arrived.