In recent months, however, a remarkable reset has been under way, led by President Roberta Metsola, who has sought to normalise relations with Beijing after four years of estrangement. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the recent history, not everyone is pleased.
The extent of the detente is revealed in previously unseen correspondence obtained by the South China Morning Post and conversations with parliament insiders, which helps piece together an improbable thaw that virtually nobody expected six months ago.
“Our discussion marked a significant step toward re-establishing constructive parliamentary relations and revitalising our legislative dialogue,” she said, referring to a meeting held with Cai in the parliament on March 3 – the first of two face-to-face encounters between the pair.
