THE Marshall Islands' former representative in Beijing has lashed out at his country's decision to switch diplomatic ties to Taiwan.
'In all respects, the Marshall Islands has violated all communiques signed with China dating back to 1990,' said Carl Heine, who left Beijing yesterday after resigning in the wake of his Government's decision to recognise Taiwan.
Maintaining good relations with Beijing was the only proper thing to do in the long term, he said.
Beijing was annoyed and had every reason to be, said Mr Heine, who served as ambassador in Beijing for 4.5 years until this week.
China severed diplomatic relations with the Marshall Islands and lodged a protest with the Government in the capital, Majuro, on Friday after it learned of the plan to establish ties with Taiwan.
Mr Heine said the Marshall Islands' main motivation in recognising Taipei was money.