Costa Rica breaks ties with Taiwan

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, June 7 (UPI) -- Costa Rica has decided to break off relations with Taiwan following nearly six decades of cooperation, in favor of ties with China.

President Oscar Arias said the Central American nation had to forsake its longstanding relationship with Taiwan because ties with China would mean more foreign investment for Costa Rica, Al Dia newspaper reported Thursday.

Arias said he severed ties with Taiwan because it was in the best in the best interest of Costa Ricans.

China and Taiwan split after a civil war in 1949, though China continues to consider the breakaway island as part of its territory.