Time running out for Tsai to mend her ways

Given the pro-independence stance of Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen and her Democratic Progressive Party, it is not surprising that the island has lost many of its "diplomatic" partners in recent years.

From Sao Tome and Principe in December 2016 to Kiribati on Friday, seven countries have severed official ties with the island in less than three years leaving it with only 15 "diplomatic" partners. That the island has been further isolated in the world during Tsai's tenure can be squarely blamed on her refusal to accept the 1992 Consensus that there is only one China.

Yet instead of realizing their follies, Tsai and the DPP have again pointed the finger at Beijing for the island's woes, claiming it is using its thick checkbook to lure Taipei's allies into switching "sides". It was particularly appalling to hear a Taiwan official say the aid Kiribati has sought from Beijing includes loans and a Boeing 737 aircraft, as it is an insult to all the 179 countries that have diplomatic relations with Beijing.