Taiwanese Foreign Minister off to Africa

The Taiwanese Foreign Minister, Jason Hu, has left Taipei for Senegal in a move to reinforce Taiwan's diplomatic presence in Africa.

His visit comes less than a week after South Africa switched its diplomatic recognition to China.

Beijing and Taipei are traditional rivals for influence in Africa.

Mr Hu is to meet Taiwan's fourteen remaining ambassadors and representatives stationed in the continent during the tour.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service