ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Dominica Sunday reaffirmed “its support and commitment for the “One China Policy”, as it reiterated the need for “the peaceful reunification” of China and Taiwan.
In a statement in which it referred to Taiwan as “the province of Taiwan” Dominica said it has articulated the “One China Policy” since its establishment of diplomatic relations with China in 2004.
“Dominica’s decision is based on well-established international law, strongly affirmed by United Nations Resolution 2758 of October 1971. The People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate Government of China and hence, China’s membership in the United Nations.
“Therefore, it is widely accepted that the future of Taiwan remains a matter within the internal affairs of the People’s Republic of China.”
China has consistently regarded Taiwan as a renegade province and has hinted at the possibility of military force to bring the Asian country into line.
In the statement which noted the victory of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taipei, the Dominica government said “the Taiwanese Presidential election has always been viewed as part of China’s internal politics and has in no way been interpreted as an act that can lawfully bring about the independence of Taiwan.
“This election is no exception,” the statement said.
St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which are among a handful of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries with diplomatic relations with Taiwan, congratulated William Lai Ching-te as President-Elect and Hsiao Bi-khim as Vice-President-Elect following Saturday’s election.
Taiwan and China are split amidst a civil war in 1949 and Beijing called the poll a choice between war and peace. Beijing strongly opposes Lai, the current vice president who abandoned his medical career to pursue politics from the grassroots to the presidency.
In its statement, Dominica said it has at the core of its bilateral relations with China, “further upheld the principles of mutual respect for the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China and for the non-interference in its internal affairs.
“Taiwan, despite any attempt or pronouncement otherwise, remains part of the One China, notwithstanding the results of the January 13, 2024, local government elections.
“It is on these grounds that since 2004, Dominica has maintained deep and friendly relations with the People’s Republic of China, continues to recognize the One China principle and remains committed to strengthening the bonds of this enduring friendship,” the Roosevelt Skerrit government said in its statement.
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