SVG/Taiwan ties to be further strengthened under new president’s administration

With the inauguration of the new president of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the country’s embassy here has given assurance that ties between St Vincent and the Grenadines and Taiwan will continue to be strengthened.

This, according to Taiwanese Ambassador Baushuan Ger, as he addressed a reception held last Friday, May 20, to celebrate the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president Dr Tsai Ing-wen and new vice-president Chen Chien-jen.{{more}}

“We are very sure that under President Tsai administration, the ties between our two countries will be further strengthened,” said the ambassador, as he delivered a brief address at the Embassy, located at Murray’s Village.

“St Vincent and the Grenadines has always been an unwavering ally to the Republic of China (Taiwan) over the last 35 years… We are deeply grateful for this camaraderie.”

Ger further disclosed that this is a historic occasion, because it is the first time in the history of the entire Chinese-governed states that a woman has been elected to the post of president.

Also addressing the reception was Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who said that he is confident that he will “get along very well” with President Tsai and her administration.

“President Tsai and her administration can rely on this Prime Minister and the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines for continued solidarity, and to further strengthen our excellent relations,” assured Gonsalves.

He acknowledged that although President Tsai is the first female leader within the Chinese-governed territories, she is not the first female leader within Asia.

In mentioning other Asian female heads of government such as Sirimavo Bandaranaike, of Sri Lanka, and Indira Ghandi, of India, the Prime Minister did, however, note that there is something that sets President Tsai apart from them.

“What is very distinguishing about… the new president of Taiwan is that she did not have the antecedence politically of each of those other female leaders… Both female presidents came from political families… So, what we have here is unique and exceptional,” he asserted.

“Even when one notices the current articulation of her public policies, one would notice her socialization. She [wasn’t] born into a rich family; she was born into a family which started very humbly,” asserted Gonsalves.

“She is imbued with very sturdy, rural values, which in the history of this country, we have found them to be critical values outside of the urban setting – important as the urban setting is to our political life.”

The Prime Minister further pointed out that prior to this political win, as head of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), President Tsai had faced losses at the polls.

“There were many person who were far older than she is inside of the party. But the Democratic Progressive Party took the bull by the horns to invest in a younger generation. That is also very instructive, because we have to admit that after a while the older you get, you find it very difficult to communicate with everyone…

“As much as you’d want to communicate with the younger folk and younger professionals, you do not possess necessarily the language with which to communicate – whatever your desire may be.”

Opposition Leader and president of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Arnhim Eustace was also in attendance at the reception.

He wished President Tsai a “long term in office”, and said that he is “heartened” to hear that the diplomatic ties between SVG and Taiwan will continue to develop under the new administration.

“Your contribution to our economy, your contribution to our culture is very important and very meaningful; and I think our population recognizes that. And, to some extent, you are treated differently from other nations that are here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

The Opposition Leader said that in particular, he noted that the new president is trained in the area of political economy.

“For me that is interesting, because it tells me she will understand the aspects and difficulties we face in terms of our own economy. And, therefore, in the formulation of policy that governs our relations, she has the necessary background… to deal with that.”

He also noted that, in reference to Taiwan, President Tsai deemed her country as a “free and democratic people,” who are committed to the defense of freedom and democracy as “a way of life”.

“I found that very important, because it tells us that we, who are your partners, who should live by the same principles, that she is on the same wavelength,” said Eustace.

Another point that he highlighted from President Tsai’s speech was the sentiment that Taiwan’s judicial system was not “close to the people and is not trusted by them”.

“That, too, I find very interesting.”

Also in attendance at the reception were several notable figures such as Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne; former Prime Minister and founder of the NDP Sir James Mitchell; Sir Vincent Beache; NDP parliamentary representative for Central Kingstown St Clair Leacock; NDP parliamentary representative for the Northern Grenadines Dr Godwin Friday; Speaker of the House Jomo Thomas; and Democratic Republican Party leader Anesia Baptiste – among others. (JSV)