Haiti is one of just 23 countries that recognize Taiwan.  China has in the past used aid to encourage countries to ‘de-recognize’ Taiwan.

And yet China was one of the first countries to announce aid to Haiti, which is also receiving aid from Taipei.  A cargo plane left Beijing on 16 January with $2 million of China’s promised $4.2 million aid package for a country with which it has no diplomatic ties.  A rescue team is also operating there.

Whatever the’ Chinese motivations, at least this gives a warm feeling amongst so much misery.