The government of Sao Tome e Principe has wound back diplomatic ties with Taiwan by acknowledging the One-China principle, in a move that paves the way for establishing formal diplomatic relations with the government in Beijing, Xinhua reports.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying welcomed the decision of the African nation, the Chinese government-run news agency reported.

Sao Tome e Principe is the only Portuguese-speaking Country that does not have formal diplomatic ties with Beijing.