Taiwan loses second ally in a week as Kiribati switches to China

Pacific nation changes allegiance to Beijing just days after Solomon Islands also cut ties with Taipei

Taiwan has lost its second diplomatic ally in less than a week after the Pacific nation of Kiribati moved to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish foreign relations with China.

The decision comes after the Solomon Islands announced it was breaking away from Taiwan on Monday, and means that in just a week the number of Taiwan's diplomatic allies has dropped from 17 to 15.