Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

The Dominican Republic decided on May 1 to break off diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Presidential Office issued the following statement in response to that decision:

To address continued attempts by the Beijing authorities to harm Taiwan's official diplomatic relations through financial enticements, since the end of 2016 our diplomatic and national security teams have closely monitored Taiwan's diplomatic relations with the Dominican Republic, and done everything possible to consolidate official bilateral ties. The government of the Republic of China deeply regrets that the government of the Dominican Republic has succumbed to the Beijing authorities' dollar diplomacy, and decided to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.

The government of the Republic of China has long worked to share Taiwan's developmental experiences with the Dominican Republic, and help improve the Dominican people's quality of life and well-being. As a result, the Dominican Republic, previously a net importer of rice, is now a net exporter. Taiwan also helped the Dominican Republic establish a police administration security advisory system. Although willing and able to assist its allies, Taiwan is opposed to dollar diplomacy.

We feel that the world is moving toward reconciliation and dialogue. The international community is devoted to peace and stability in every region, including the Korean Peninsula, and enhancing human well-being worldwide. China's government, however, is moving in the opposite direction, and continues to escalate regional military pressure and manipulate the so-called "one China principle," creating regional and cross-strait tension. The Beijing authorities' actions have thus unilaterally undermined the status quo of cross-strait peace. This is not the behavior of a responsible member of the international community, and this kind of wrong-headed conduct should cease immediately.

Irrespective of political party or cross-strait policy position, China's continued suppression of Taiwan is calculated to threaten the interests of Taiwan's people, and the nation's survival and development. To address this challenge, the ruling and opposition parties must stand together as one with the people of Taiwan.

No matter how grave the challenge, the Taiwan government will never bow to Beijing's pressure, and fully embraces the sacred mission to safeguard the nation's freedom and democracy, and ensure the security and well-being of its citizens. The government will do everything in its power to uphold the nation's interests, defend the sovereignty and dignity of the Republic of China, and work with friendly nations in a continued effort to preserve regional peace and stability.