TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's diplomatic ties with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will remain stable despite a change in government, Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung (吳志中) assured Monday (Dec. 1). Wu stated there would be no severance of diplomatic relations during his tenure, addressing concerns after the New Democratic Party's election victory last week. Taiwan maintains formal diplomatic relations with 12 allies worldwide.
The New Democratic Party (NDP) won Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' parliamentary election Thursday (Nov. 27), ending the Unity Labour Party's 24-year rule. NDP leader Godwin Friday will assume the role of prime minister and form a new government. The party's previous stance of severing ties with Taiwan and aligning with Beijing, China, had raised concerns about the future of bilateral diplomatic relations.
Taiwan's Ambassador to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Fan Hui-chun (范惠君) extended congratulations to the new prime minister and newly elected parliamentarians on behalf of the Taiwanese government and its people following the election results. Fan conveyed President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) congratulations to Friday during diplomatic communications. Friday expressed gratitude for Taiwan's well-wishes and asked Fan to relay his thanks to Lai, signaling continued diplomatic engagement.
Wu praised Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) for his dedication to maintaining strong ties with Taiwan's diplomatic allies, noting Lin's commitment compared to his predecessors in managing bilateral relationships. The deputy foreign minister reiterated the stability of Taiwan's diplomatic friendships with its allies across multiple regions. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' diplomatic status will remain unchanged despite the government transition, Wu underscored. ◼