Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has underscored his Government’s unswerving support for the Republic of China on Taiwan, noting that Taiwan understands the issues of Small Island Developing states.
The Prime Minister points to the thirty five years of unbroken diplomatic relations between SVG and the Republic of China on Taiwan, which has resulted in tremendous support from Taiwan over the years.
The pm has identified support from Taiwan in areas such as education, agriculture and infrastructure.
Taiwan currently provides full scholarships to close to 100 Vincentians, finances the Youths Empowerment Service – YES Programme which exposes 500 youths to arrange of skills on attachments.
PM Gonsalves said that SVG has outstanding loans of approximately $US89 million dollars from Taiwan which also extends grants funds for a variety of projects.
He said that mainland China and Taiwan are both members of the WTO; Vincentians trade with China; both countries are one Chinses civilization and he will not be “getting involved in that ancient Chinese quarrel”.
PM Gonsalves’ comments come in the wake of a declaration by the leader of the opposition New Democratic Party that it acknowledges the United Nations accepted norm of the one China policy.
