October 14, 2023
In his remarks at a ceremony for China’s donation of 250 buses to Nicaragua on October 13, the dictatorial Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua falsely claimed that Taiwan is a province of China, saying that the United Nations does not recognize Taiwan as a country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) strongly protests and condemns this absurd and spurious remarks.
From January 2007, when Ortega retook power, until the termination of diplomatic relations, Taiwan assisted Nicaragua with its national development out of goodwill and generosity. For 15 years, Ortega unabashedly accepted Taiwan’s cooperation assistance that benefited the Nicaraguan people, yet since the termination of diplomatic ties, he and his wife have been currying favor with China, repeatedly and publicly toeing the line of authoritarian China and manipulating audiences at events by espousing the so-called “one China principle.” The pair have become willing accomplices to China’s efforts to undermine democracy in Central America and expand its influence in the region. Their misguiding rhetoric and actions only prove that Ortega and his wife are nothing but power-seeking opportunists. Their disgraceful conduct elicits grave concern throughout the international community for the kindhearted people living under Ortega’s authoritarian rule.
MOFA solemnly reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country; that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other; and that the PRC has never governed Taiwan for a single day. These are objective facts and the status quo. Taiwan is a beacon of democracy. The people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) are united in safeguarding national sovereignty and will continue to work with other democratic nations to fully counter the expansion of dictatorial authoritarianism.