The Office of the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) expressed regret Dec. 21 about the unilateral decision by São Tomé and Príncipe to terminate diplomatic relations earlier the same day.
In a written statement, the Office of the President said that the ROC is fully able to provide assistance to the nation’s diplomatic allies across various fronts and has been more than willing to contribute to allies’ development to the fullest extent of its abilities. “However, it is not our approach to engage in diplomatic games by means of money,” it stated.
The Office of the President said it deeply regrets that mainland China took advantage of the financial difficulties faced by São Tomé and Príncipe to press the “one China policy.”
“This kind of approach not only hurts the feelings of the Taiwanese people, but also undermines stability across the Taiwan Strait,” it stated, adding that the approach is impractical to the long-term development of cross-strait ties.
According to the Office of the President, the country has long been confronted with the same external challenges regardless of which party governs or which polices each administration adopts when it comes to cross-strait relations. This is the reality that the entire nation must squarely face, it said.
“On cross-strait issues, what matters is not differences in policies, but whether the people of Taiwan can come together and respond in unity.”
It said the government will continue to be cautious in responding to diverse difficulties and challenges, and will spare no effort in safeguarding national interests and the people’s welfare.
The Mainland Affairs Council also issued a statement the same day to express its strong discontent and regret that mainland China has cajoled the West African country into ending diplomatic ties with the ROC.
Although the government has extended its goodwill to mainland Chinese authorities since May 20, Beijing has continued to suppress the country in the international arena, the MAC said. It called on mainland China to look squarely at the current state of cross-strait affairs and the consequences of its unilateral actions. (SFC-E)
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