Vanuatu forms full diplomatic ties with Taiwan

Vanuatu's top foreign affairs official says he was shocked by the news that Prime Minister Serve Vohor has agreed to full diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

The Pacific nation pledged its allegiance to rival China just two months ago.

George Manuri, director-general of the foreign affairs department, said he was "surprised and shocked" by the announcement from Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Chen Tan-sun, that Taipei had established full diplomatic ties with Vanuatu.