The Micronesian republic of 96,000 inhabitants has had ties with the People's Republic of China since 1980, but switched diplomatic recognition to rival Taiwan on November 7.

Beijing has no diplomatic relations with the 27 countries which recognise the government of Taiwan.

China regards Taiwan, which split with China after the Communists defeated the Kuomintang in 1949, as a renegade province to be reunified with the mainland by force if necessary.

SPACE.WIRE