Nicaragua become the 28th state recognising Taiwan when it re-established relations on Nov. 6, having switched recognition to China in 1985.

In 1979, the United States switched recognition from Taipei to Beijing.

The United States became the first major power to switch recognition to Nanjing Nationalist government on October 1.

Washington switched recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979.

In March 2004, Dominica switched recognition to the PRC in exchange for a large aid package.

Similarly, Taipei has previously broken ties with any country which switches formal recognition to Beijing.

The United States has not had diplomatic relations with Taiwan's Government since 1979, when President Jimmy Carter switched recognition.

When America switched recognition to the Communists in 1979, Beijing insisted that Washington continue to honor the point.

But it became increasingly absurd to have the island of Taiwan represent the Chinese mainland, and more and more countries switched recognition to "Red China."

Due to diplomatic pressure, recognition gradually eroded and many countries switched recognition to the PRC in the 1970s.