By Admin. Updated 2:40 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
China has once again reaffirmed its long-standing One-China principle while signalling its intention to deepen political and economic cooperation with Caribbean countries, including those across the region.
The message came Monday during celebrations marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, where Chargé d’Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Barbados, Chen Chen, described the One-China principle as the political foundation of China’s relations with other countries.
Addressing invited guests, Chen said the Taiwan question concerns China’s core interests and is “entirely China’s internal affair.” He reiterated Beijing’s position that there is only one China, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of its territory, and that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing China.
“The one-China principle is a prevailing consensus in the international community and a basic norm governing international relations,” Chen said.
He added that political developments in Taiwan could not alter what Beijing considers the historical and legal basis for eventual national reunification.
The remarks are particularly significant for St Vincent and the Grenadines, which is one of a small number of countries worldwide that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan rather than the People’s Republic of China.
Successive Vincentian governments have maintained those ties for decades, with Taiwan remaining a major development partner in areas including healthcare, education, agriculture and infrastructure.
Although Chen did not refer specifically to St Vincent and the Grenadines, he said China remains committed to expanding cooperation with Caribbean countries based on “mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.”
He said Beijing intends to deepen political trust, strengthen practical cooperation and work alongside Caribbean partners to address shared challenges and promote common development.
The comments formed part of a broader address highlighting China’s economic development and international engagement as the country observes the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan.
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