…asTaiwan gets greelinght to open office in Guyana
Even as China remains up in arms against attempts by Taiwan to become an independent nation, the Government of Guyana has signed an agreement for the establishment of a Taiwanese Office here – a major shift from its support of the One-China policy.
Though the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has not officially informed the nation of this major move, the United States Government did on Wednesday, when it applauded the Guyanese Government on reaching an agreement for the establishment of a Taiwan Office in Guyana.
“Deepening ties between Guyana and Taiwan will advance their shared goals of prosperity and security. Closer ties with Taiwan will advance cooperation and development in Guyana on the basis of shared democratic values, transparency, and mutual respect,” the US Government said in its statement.
Observers say the move by Guyana will certainly irk Beijing that has poured billions in aid to this country over the years.
On Saturday, during an address to the nation President Irfaan Ali, said the Government was having productive discussions with the Governments of India, China and Russia.
He disclosed that China has already pledged 20,000 doses of vaccines for Guyana. Discussions are underway to finalise that agreement. Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Elizabeth Harper is quoted in a Demerarawaves story as saying that Guyana has not recognised Taiwan as a separate state and remains true to the one China policy.
Just five days ago, China warned Taiwan that any attempt to gain independence would result in “war” – a warning that was preceded by increased military activities by China that saw warplanes flying near the island.
BBC, in a report, said the warning was issued shortly after US President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Taiwan, and set out his stance in Asia.
“China sees democratic Taiwan as a breakaway province, but Taiwan sees itself as a sovereign state, with its own constitution, military, and elected leaders,” the BBC explained.
Last September, China took umbrage to remarks made by the then US US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo during his visit to Guyana.
“First, Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China. China has always firmly opposed any countries to develop any official relations or exchanges with the Taiwan region. We urge the US side to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, comply with the basic rules of international relations, and stop the erroneous remarks that bolster “Taiwan independence” separatists, undermine China-US relations as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” the Chinese Embassy here had said.
China, the third most powerful country in the world, said then that it had the right to take all necessary actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It noted too that, it has developed relations with Caribbean countries including Guyana under the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation.
“China attaches no political strings in bilateral pragmatic cooperations, which bring tangible benefits to countries and peoples in the region. This is an objective fact that anyone without prejudice will admit,” the Chinese Embassy said.
This year will mark 46 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
