Govt scraps Taiwan Office deal, says One China policy remains intact
Kaieteur News – Just hours after Taiwan announced plans to start an investment office in Guyana, raising questions about adhering to One China Policy, the Government of Guyana terminated the contract.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation outlined that the sudden termination was due to “apparent miscommunication”.
“The Government of Guyana has cited various media releases on the issue of an Office in Taiwan in Guyana. The Government has not established any diplomatic or relations with Taiwan and as a result of the miscommunication of the signed agreement, this agreement has since been terminated, ”the statement stated.
The Government was also keen to note that it continues to adhere to One China policy and that diplomatic relations remain intact with the People’s Republic of China.
However, the sudden turn of events prompted much criticism from the political opposition.
Shortly after the government announcement, the Coalition A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU + AFC) issued a statement stating the government’s decision to enter into the agreement and then rejoin it quickly after facing international pressure “underscores de-learning, irresponsibility and PPP dangerous approach to Guyana foreign policy. ”
“However, the damage was done. Decades of strong old relations between Guyana and China have come under strain in less than 6 months of putting the PPP regime in office, ”the Opposition outlined.
Continuing, the Opposition said it will take years and “considerable diplomatic and other scarce resources” to rebuild trust with the Chinese after this “huge diplomatic blunder.”
Furthermore, the Opposition claimed that Guyana’s foreign policy must continue to be founded on mutual respect and understanding, non-interference, multilateralism and strong relations with all states and then called on the government to abandon its “isolated foreign policy not advised. ”
The US Embassy and not the government broke the news of Guyana’s agreement with Taiwan which was apparently signed since January 11.
“Deepening relations between Guyana and Taiwan will further their common goals of prosperity and security. Closer links with Taiwan will promote cooperation and development in Guyana on the basis of shared democratic values, transparency, and mutual respect, ”the Embassy said in a statement on Thursday.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry also tweeted about the deal.
“The #Taiwan Office is set up in #Guyana! The facility represents the commitment of both parties to promoting a prosperity partnership based on democratic values across areas such as agriculture, education, investment and commerce. We thank @mfaguyanafor for his friendship and support, ”the tweet said.
However, official confirmation later emerged from Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd who explained that it is a trade and investment office being set up to facilitate the trade of private investors.
It should be noted that that confirmation did not come from an official statement from the Ministry, rather from comments made by the Minister.