Taiwan said “So long” to it’s largest diplomatic ally in the Pacific -- the Solomon Islands -- on Monday. Rumors of a break in ties had been swirling ever since the nation’s pro-China prime minister took office in April. The move brings Taiwan’s diplomatic allies down to 16.

In today’s Taiwan Insider, we hear from a former ambassador to the Solomon Islands, Victor Yu, who weighs in on the break in ties. Plus, Natalie Tso explains why US Senator Marco Rubio and others are pushing the TAIPEI Act, which would enable the US to downgrade ties with countries that break ties with Taiwan.

Plus:
-Dramatic election developments: Terry’s out, Annette’s in!
-20 years later: Remembering Taiwan’s deadly Jiji Earthquake
-A Norwegian Ironman goes viral for wearing a Taiwanese temple hat
-A striking new laser show lights up the southern Taiwan sky

Links:
Terry Gou’s announcement that he will not run (Facebook):
https://www.facebook.com/TerryGou1018/videos/1627794714024128/

Full text of the TAIPEI Act:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/3406

Learn more about the 1999 Jiji Earthquake of Sept. 21, 1999:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Jiji_earthquake

The temple mentioned in Hashtag Taiwan (Shun Tse Temple) on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/%E9%A0%86%E6%BE%A4%E5%AE%AE-326366004106119/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARCpuB1ZyzlY9V-lZgijqraCr4G-v701uHn07r6oDq6qfhezdYan0WzGMo7oUKQ16nSg_MciH7G_uJiK

Visit the online portal for the place featured in today’s Where in Taiwan:
http://southfl.npm.gov.tw/en-US

#Taiwan #TaiwanInsider #RadioTaiwanInternational

Watch all “Taiwan Insider” episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHMAirY2XP7VJVjqnWIWxlBThd2gRjxPf

CONNECT
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanInsider
Twitter: http://twitter.com/RadioTaiwan_Eng
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/RTIenglish
Website: https://en.rti.org.tw
Email: [email protected]