For more on this, joining us in the studio is Dr. Teng Jianqun, Director of the American Studies Department at the China Institute of International Studies. 

Q1: Sao Tome and Principe was one of the three nations in Africa that maintained formal ties with Taiwan before it decided to cut the ties. How will this decision affect cross-strait relations?  Will it trigger a domino effect of Taiwan's other allies switching allegiance?

Q2:  There have also been positive signs in China's relations with other countries. This week, China and Norway normalized ties after six years of political disagreement. And it's also planning to have talks with the Vatican. How do you read into the recent series of diplomatic moves?