Litokwa Tomeing, a new member of the Pacific Ocean nation's opposition Aelon Kein Ad party, has visited China and voiced support in the media for switching ties to Beijing. He could become prime minister, as his party looks set to take control of the legislature following recent elections.

But spokesman Tony de Brum said Aelon Kein Ad would continue to support Taiwan if it won an expected 20 to 22 seats in the 33-member legislature and formed a new government.

Taiwan is recognized by just 24 countries around the world which it attracted with lavish aid. Taipei needs all the friends it can get to prove it is a separate entity from Beijing, which is recognized by 170 countries.

Taiwan officials are talking with Tomeing, a Taiwan foreign ministry spokeswoman said.

China lost control of Taiwan at the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949 and seeks to isolate the self-ruled island diplomatically by making its overseas allies s...

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