The article “…China could be moving in-foreign correspondent” dated Saturday, November 23, 2013 refers. In the article, the foreign correspondent was quoted as describing the relationship between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and The Gambia as “Dollar Diplomacy” and “Chequebook Diplomacy”. Yet it was far from the truth of Taiwan’s foreign policy and its cooperative relationship with The Gambia.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) established diplomatic ties with The Gambia in 1995. Over the course of 18 years, the ROC government put forward and undertook various cooperation projects that effectively enhanced the livelihood of the Gambian people and were well received by all sectors of society, forging a close and cordial bond based on the principles of President Ma Ying-jeou’s viable diplomacy. The foreign correspondent’s usage of the term “dollar diplomacy” was obviously not a correct description of the bilateral relations existed between Taiwan and The Gambia.
As for the speculations that Mainland China might be behind President Jammeh’s decision to sever ties with Taiwan, it is yet to be proved. In fact, Mainland China openly announced that it was not in contact with The Gambia.
While we regret The Gambia’s decision, we would also like to clarify that ROC’s policy with its allies is not the one of “dollar diplomacy”, but the one based on the belief of reciprocity, mutual assistance, and genuine friendship.
Thomas J.C. Chen
Ambassador
Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
