Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has met his counterpart from Sao Tome and Principe, Urbino Botelho, in Beijing. The west African island nation cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan on December 20th.

The two ministers signed a communique formally resuming diplomatic relations between their countries.China says it appreciates and welcomes the African country's return to the right track of the One-China principle.

China's formal ties with Sao Tome and Principe restored

"Restoring diplomatic ties between our two countries will benefit both peoples. We have enjoyed friendship between China and Africa and we welcome Sao Tome and Principe to join our family," said Hua Chunying, spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry.

"We are willing to develop and deepen cooperation across all fields based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and the one-China policy."