1.   Economic pressure was believed to have prompted the Bahamas to switch ties to China this month, canceling out the boost that came from winning over Sao Tome.

2.   Following the loss of Guinea Bissau last month, Taiwan is concerned that another three allies may also switch ties to Beijing, press reports said Sunday.

3.   Guinea Bissau switched ties last week after Beijing reportedly met a request for financial aid that Taiwan refused to.

4.   Guinea Bissau switched ties to Beijing on Friday, reportedly because China met a request for financial aid that Taiwan balked at.

5.   On Thursday, the Central African Republic switched diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Beijing, following a similar move by South Africa early this month.

6.   Since the beginning of the year, the Central African Republic and Guinea-Bissau have switched ties from Taipei to Beijing.

7.   Senegal in January switched its ties from Beijing to Taipei.

8.   South Africa plans to switch ties to the rival Chinese government in Beijing by the end of this year.

9.   South Africa plans to switch ties to China by the end of this year.

10.   South African President Nelson Mandela agreed last year to switch ties to Beijing but hoped to find a formula to salvage lucrative relations with Taipei.