The President of Taiwan has issued a statement following governments decision to cut ties late yesterday.
“For years, Taiwan’s attitude towards its diplomatic allies has been one of sincere friendship. We spare no effort in consolidating our diplomatic relationships, and we treat our allies with sincerity.
"However, in the face of China’s interference and suppression, we will not stand to be threatened, nor will we be subjected to ceaseless demands."
She says that Taiwan will not engage in dollar diplomacy with China in order to satisfy unreasonable demands.
"This is not how Taiwan approaches its diplomacy, not to mention the fact that China’s promises of financial assistance often come up empty. Taiwan’s contributions to the Solomon Islands, particularly in medicine, agriculture, education, and culture, cannot be measured in dollars," the President of Taiwan said.
She says that beginning today, Taiwan will close its embassy in the Solomon Islands and recall all technical and medical mission personnel stationed there.
"I want to thank them for fighting bravely to the last for our diplomatic relationship. It is indeed regrettable that their unfinished cooperative projects must come to an end, and it is a loss for the Solomon Islands people. However, this is the choice that the Solomon Islands’ government has made, leaving us with no other option but to respond in this way.
"Although we have terminated diplomatic ties, I want to extend my gratitude to the people of the Solomon Islands for their support for Taiwan, and to our allies and friends in the international community who sought to help mediate this issue. Changes in the diplomatic arena are indeed challenging, but Taiwan still has many friends around the world willing to stand with us, and we are not alone.”
For full text visit: https://english.president.gov.tw/News/5843