December 26, 2016
No. 004
The Republic of China (Taiwan) issues the following statement concerning the signing of a joint communique between São Tomé and Príncipe and mainland China on re-establishing diplomatic ties on December 26 in Beijing:
The Republic of China (Taiwan) expresses strong disappointment and regret that the government of São Tomé and Príncipe has been lured by the dollar diplomacy campaign of mainland China and ignored the years of major contributions the Republic of China (Taiwan) has made to the improvement of the health and welfare of the people of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Mainland China, taking advantage of the massive financial difficulties faced by São Tomé and Príncipe, in its manipulation of the “one China principle” and dollar diplomacy, has demanded that São Tomé and Príncipe sever all ties with the Republic of China (Taiwan) as a precondition for “providing full support and assistance” to São Tomé and Príncipe for its economic and social needs.
The fact that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent, sovereign nation cannot be denied by the so-called “one China principle” mentioned in the said communique.
As a responsible and reliable partner of the international community, the Republic of China (Taiwan) will continue to work to strengthen and deepen relations of cooperation and friendship with our diplomatic partners. (E)