We didn’t guess One China Policy – Opposition Leader

President of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Arnhim Eustace wants the Vincentian public to know that a lot of thought and consideration went into his party’s decision to adopt the ‘One China Policy’ and break ties with the Republic of China on Taiwan.

Eustace made this statement yesterday, while speaking on the New Times programme on Nice Radio.{{more}}

“We didn’t guess, we thought about the matter for some time and when we examined the situation, we came to the conclusion that that was the best approach,” he said.

Last week, to the shock of many, during a press conference, Eustace announced that if the NDP forms government, they would adopt the ‘One China Policy’.

Following the announcement, many persons, including Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, questioned the NDP’s move.

“I don’t know whether Eustace’s own political circumstance or that of the NDP prompted them do this. I don’t know if this has anything to do with people who financing them for their economic citizenship programme, I don’t know. But it is just strange that three months ago you solidly with Taiwan, you not in government to say you negotiate something with them to put people’s mind at ease. You then proceed to make an announcement there. You either really foolish or you acting in the self-interest of the party and not the country. I am only raising those queries, but as you see my focus is to explain to you why is it that we have our foreign relations that we have,” Gonsalves asked.

The NDP leader reiterated yesterday that the NDP has been following developments in the world and they decided that a relationship with China would prove more fruitful than a relationship with Taiwan.

“If we consider an alternative which we think is better for us, we not being ungrateful. We are looking after our interest and in foreign policy terms you always hear countries have interest. The interest is what is good for their citizens.

“The point is we have done an analysis and we believe that our medium to long-term future lies in that direction,” Eustace also stated.

The NDP president however, said he doesn’t understand why there is so much outcry over the party’s decision.

“I don’t see what the big hue and cry is about; I believe it’s interesting that so many people are interested in the issue and I am happy about that. It has provoked a lot of discussion in this country. A lot of the discussion is misguided also,” the Opposition Leader exclaimed.

The economist by training noted that the fact that the Prime Minister has questioned what Brexit has to do with their decision making shows weakness on his part.

“If he can’t see what Brexit has to do with that, that is not my fault. That is a weakness on his part. All I am saying is that changes are taking place internationally, with countries and groups of countries which can impact on us. If the British economy has any difficulty because of the Brexit arrangement it can affect us, could affect bananas; but it can also affect development assistance coming to us.

“Therefore we must look at alternative arrangements to serve as a hedge against that kind of development,” Eustace added.(CM)