New Taiwanese Ambassador eager to enhance cooperation with SKN

Staff Reporter-SKNVibes.com

(L-R) St. Kitts Ambassador and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Rosalyn Hazelle with the new Republic of China (ROC) Taiwan Ambassador,  His Excellency Rong-Chuan Wu

The comment, which was spoken at the brief ceremony to honor the inauguration of the twelfth president of the ROC Taiwan, came after weeks of media reports speculating that the pro-China policies of the newly elected president, Dr. Ma Ying-jeou, could potentially harm Caribbean allies of the nation in the long run.

One widely published commentary by Sir Ronald Sanders, a business executive and former Caribbean diplomat, opines that St. Kitts and other Caribbean allies of Taiwan should abandon their past relationships with the country in order to “pursue a ‘One China’ policy.”

“It is in the interest of CARICOM to settle a long-term and predictable aid, trade and investment agreement with China…[because Taiwan and China] will move toward a solution that is in their interests.  When they do, those who have held on to the coat tails of Taiwan may find themselves casualties,” stated Sanders.

Ambassador Wu made it clear, however that Taiwan, under the leadership of President Ma, would not sacrifice its sovereignty or its allies.

“The new president declared clearly that we wish the two sides of the Taiwan Strait…to pursue a win-win situation. He wants to negotiate with China, so as to avoid a military conflict, but as you know, China has tried to claim Taiwan as one of its provinces, and Taiwan has said, ‘No, I am not one of your provinces.’ ~~Adz:Right~~

“Taiwan’s 23 ally nations, including St. Kitts, are very important because they recognize Taiwan’s autonomy apart from China in the international community. It is this recognition of sovereignty that is Taiwan’s reason for the continued transport of its resources to its ally nations,” the Ambassador declared.

St. Kitts Ambassador and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Rosalyn Hazelle reciprocated Wu’s declaration of continued relations.

“As we go around the country we can see many examples of the support that has been provided to the people of the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis by the Taiwanese, and we want to show our support for the continuation of democracy and the right to self-determination for Taiwan,” stated Hazelle.

Taiwan’s right to sovereignty was called into question again on Monday, May 19th when the World Health Organization (WHO) once again rejected the ROC’s application for membership.

“Our large population shows that we have a very complete public health system. The WHO has rejected Taiwan simply because of the political influence of China, and it is very unfair to politicize the healthcare of Taiwan. We will once again appeal,” Ambassador Wu said, emphasizing his government’s continued struggle for autonomy.