Antigua and Barbuda has joined the list of Caribbean countries that have pledged their support for the “One China policy” in the wake of elections in Taiwan.
In a statement on Sunday evening, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said Antigua and Barbuda “has never shifted allegiance to the Peoples Republic of China” since becoming an independent country in 1981.
OPM said there is a “universal consensus” in the international community that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. The outcome of the elections held in the Province of Taiwan should not alter the dynamic process and future direction of cross-strait relations.”
Antigua and Barbuda said it is committed to the international principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. They urged other nations to allow China to settle its affairs with Taiwan.
OPM said Antigua and Barbuda stands behind China’s efforts to reunify with Taiwan based on the “One China policy”.
President-elect Lai Ching-te won the January 13 election with just over 40 per cent of the vote.
He replaces incumbent President, Tsai Ing-wen, who was ineligible for re-election due to term limits.
Lai will assume office in May.
Taiwan’s last remaining allies in the region have congratulated Lai on his victory and expressed their commitment to continued relations.
Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said he plans to travel to Taipei to witness Lai’s inauguration.
