In compromise deal, China backs last-minute extension of UN political mission in Haiti

Name: Taiwan denounces mainland China for ‘over the top’ flights into island’s air defence zone
Uploaded: 2021-10-16T05:04:34.000Z
Description: Taiwan denounces mainland China for ‘over the top’ flights into island’s air defence zone

The Latin American country has been wracked by crises and is one of 15 nations that recognises Taiwan

Agreement allows the mission to advise Haiti’s government in promoting and strengthening political stability and good governance

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Haiti is Latin America’s poorest country. Photo: AP

Associated Press

Published: 1:04pm, 16 Oct 2021Updated: 1:04pm, 16 Oct 2021

The UN Security Council voted unanimously on Friday evening to extend the United Nations’ political mission in Haiti after a dispute between China and many other members that stressed the importance of the long-term presence of the United Nations in Latin America’s poorest country.

In a compromise just hours before the mission’s mandate ended at midnight on Friday, the United States and Mexico, which drafted the council resolution, reached agreement with China to extend the mission for nine months – less than the year Washington wanted and more than the six months Beijing was seeking.

That averted a threatened veto of the resolution by China – which has no diplomatic relations with Haiti – and led to the 15-0 vote approving the measure, diplomats said, speaking on condition of anonymity because negotiations were private.

Diplomats said the reason behind China’s down-to-the-wire action was Beijing’s anger at Haiti for maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Haiti is one of just 15 countries – and the second largest in population – that continue to recognise self-ruling democratic Taiwan which China claims as part of its own territory.

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Taiwan denounces mainland China for ‘over the top’ flights into island’s air defence zone

The future of Taiwan has increasingly become a potential powder keg, with Beijing recently sending a record number of military aircraft to harass the island.