The Republic of China (Taiwan) government expressed disappointment and outrage regarding the signing of a joint communique May 26 in Beijing between China and Burkina Faso on the re-establishment of diplomatic ties.
In a statement released the same day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it regretted Burkina Faso’s decision to succumb to China’s dollar diplomacy and in so doing disregard the significant contributions Taiwan has made to the West African nation’s economic development, national security, social stability and welfare over the past 24 years.
“The Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent, sovereign state, a fact which the ‘one China principle’ referred to in the communique between China and Burkina Faso cannot negate unilaterally,” the ministry said.
According to the MOFA, Taiwan will continue to consolidate close friendships with its allies and cultivate substantive economic and security partnerships with like-minded countries so as to garner further recognition and support in the international community.
The ministry will also remain vigilant against China’s attempts to undermine Taiwan’s status, and diligently defend national dignity and interests, the MOFA said, adding that the government’s determination to safeguard the country and spur national development will never be shaken by China’s suppression. (OC-E)
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