Taiwan shocked by NDP’s sudden ‘One China’ policy stance

The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has expressed shock at the announcement by the New Democratic Party (NDP) that if elected to government, diplomatic relations would be changed from Taiwan to the People’s Republic of China.

“It was quite surprising and quite a shock indeed,” chargé d’affaires at the Embassy, Nicole Su said Wednesday.

“We deeply regret their decision,” the diplomat said, noting that up to the time of her interview with SEARCHLIGHT, the NDP had not formally communicated their decision to the Embassy.{{more}}

She also disclosed that Embassy staff had not observed any deterioration in the relationship with the NDP.

The chargé d’affaires referred to a reception held at the Embassy on May 20 in recognition of the inauguration of Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen, at which most of the NDP parliamentarians were present.

“Almost everybody from the NDP was there…we thought we had rather friendly and cordial relations with the NDP. So that was very surprising indeed.”

Su also said it was ironic that only one week ago, on August 15, SVG and Taiwan celebrated their 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

During this time, St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has benefited from its relationship with Taiwan in the areas of education, agriculture, infrastructure and health. Only last month, 16 Vincentians were awarded full scholarships to pursue university studies in Taiwan, an initiative that has benefited 126 students since 2004, Su said.

Infrastructural projects include contributions to the construction of the Argyle International Airport, the Central Market and the Rabacca Bridge, as well as road rehabilitation.

Su, however, stressed that over the years, her country’s relationship with SVG has also been extremely beneficial because Taiwan has “a problem” participating in international organizations, especially the United Nations and its specialized agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

“St Vincent has been a very strong partner in this area, because St Vincent has always been an outspoken supporter at those events….The Government has been very supportive, no matter if it was during the NDP time, or now, the current administration.”

She said the voice of SVG is very important because this country lets others in the world know that it is unfair to exclude Taiwan from those organizations.

“For that, Taiwan appreciates very much St Vincent’s support over the years.”

The chargé d’affaires said Taiwan has been a good friend to SVG and hopes to continue the friendship as long as possible. “We will not change… this relation between our two countries is actually not only countries, but people to people.

“Every one of us at the mission has this love for St Vincent, so even if we are very sorry to hear about the announcement, there will be no change and we will continue our collaboration,” Su said.