SVG pledges full support for ROC on Taiwan

The Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan has evolved from a post-war state and post-war economy to what is now a thriving and vibrant democratic economy and as a result should be allowed to participate in all international affairs in the specialized agencies of the United Nations (UN).

“The Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan deserves the right to participate in the developmental conversation that the entire world is engaged in the post 2015{{more}} development apparatus and structure,” according to Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Camillo Gonsalves.

Gonsalves made his feelings known last Thursday, October 8, at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown during the local celebrations held to mark the 104th National Day of the ROC.

Addressing the gathering, Gonsalves said that St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan share similar paths, from having been exploited by foreign agents to trying to establish modern post-colonial states, while the ROC has come to the aid of many countries in their times of need, including St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Gonsalves said that despite the fact that the ROC on Taiwan has a lot to offer the wider world, they have struggled in establishing their rightful place in the international community, but this country has shown full support to them and will continue to do so.

“They have struggled and we have stuck with them in helping them become fully recognized internationally,” stressed Gonsalves, who noted that because of the help that the ROC on Taiwan has given to developing countries, they deserve the right to share those experiences and participate in the developmental conversation like all the other countries doing so at the UN.

“Taiwan deserves and we demand that Taiwan be allowed to participate in all international affairs in the specialized agencies of the UN, because Taiwan has a story to tell and it is an inspiring story and it is story of good global citizenship, of cooperation, of development…,” Gonsalves firmly stated.

The Foreign Minister said that as long as countries and allies like SVG “continue to knock on that door and raise their voice, the international community will hear their call and will accept Taiwan and give it its rightful place as a full participant in the specialize agencies of the UN and we will continue that fight for our brothers in Taiwan”.

Gonsalves added that the Taiwanese have a lot to teach us, but noted that we too can also teach the Taiwanese.

“We believe that we have a lot to teach and share with the people of Taiwan, this double tenth day we must reflect on the successes that we have had as a partnership, we must respect and reflect upon the incredible path that Taiwan has travelled in the last 104 years,” said Gonsalves, adding, “we hope that the friendship will continue and we will continue to grow together.

“…We share similarities, the experience with colonial rule; they were struck by typhoons, we struck by hurricanes,” said Gonsalves, who noted that the governments of both countries have shared a deep friendship that is deepening. He said that we have professionals that have been educated in Taiwan, who speak the language and as a result have developed a unique perspective on life.

The Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan which is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) began diplomatic relations with this country in 1981. Since then, they have assisted in education, Information Communication Technology (ICT), agriculture, health and construction, among many other areas. Taiwan has assisted with battling black sigatoka disease that attacked bananas and has funded the YES programme, provided assistance in the wake of disasters and built the terminal building at the Argyle International Airport (AIA).

Speaking to the gathering, ROC Ambassador to SVG Baushuan Ger said that he was very appreciative of the fact that persons joined him at the 104th anniversary celebrations.

He added that the ROC on Taiwan has always cherished “the comradery and general friendship” between his country and SVG and noted that they are proud to be partners in the development of this country.

He said that over the years, the two countries have been involved in successful joint projects and both have stories to tell.

Speaking a bit about his country, Ambassador Ger said that as persons look back on the country’s 104 years of history, note must be made of “our forefathers who helped us to achieve a vision and helped us build a democratic republic of the people, by the people and for the people.”

He said that they are the first ethnic society to successfully transform into a democratic entity where democracy, freedom and rule of law are now the core values cherished by every citizen.

The Ambassador noted also that his country moved from an agriculture based set-up to a successful industrial model and is now the 19th largest economy in the world due to export in electronics, ICT and machinery among other things.

In 1945, following the end of World War II, the Republic of China (ROC) took control of Taiwan. In 1949, after losing control of mainland China in the Chinese Civil War, the ROC government withdrew to Taiwan. China and Taiwan maintain a fragile “status quo” relationship.

Ambassador Ger said that Taiwan will not seek political dialogue with China unless it relates to a domestic consensus.

The gathering also heard from chair of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Dr Linton Lewis.