In Taiwan on Thursday (7 December), Australian embassy officials were preparing to close down following the news that diplomatic staff were to be recalled.

On the same day, Australian officials in Paris were opening negotiations with Peking diplomats to arrange Australian recognition for the People's Republic of China.

The rapid changes came only days after the election of Australia's new Labour Government under the leadership of Primer Minister Gough whitlam.

There has been no firm date set for the Australian embassy staff in Taipei to return home, but informed sources say the move is expected within a few weeks.