Grenada, a Caribbean nation that recognized the Taiwan regime
for 15 years, resumed diplomatic relations with the People's
Republic of China in Beijing on Thursday.
The event saw the signing of a joint communiqué by Foreign
Minister Li
Zhaoxing and his Grenadian counterpart Elvin Nimrod.
"Today's resumption of ties reaffirmed to the whole world that
the one-China policy is commonly acknowledged by the international
community, and that the attempts of Taiwan independence forces are
doomed," Li said at the ensuing joint press conference.
Nimrod said the resumption of diplomatic relations between China
and Grenada is of historic significance and that they are looking
forward to developing long-term ties.
So far, China has established diplomatic links with a total of
166 countries.
Grenada first established diplomatic relations with China in
October 1985, but China suspended ties in August 1989, about two
months after they had openly recognized the Taiwan authority.
Last December, Grenadian Prime Minister Keith Mitchell visited
Beijing. During his five-day stay, he held talks with Li Zhaoxing
and exchanged views with Chinese leaders on issues of common
concern.
Li said that the government is "willing to cooperate with
Grenada, in line with the five principles of peaceful coexistence,
in such fields as politics, economy, trade, culture and
education."
He also hoped the two sides would increase exchanges, mutual
understanding and trust, and exchange ambassadors at an early
date.
Given both countries are developing nations, State Councilor Tang
Jiaxuan said China cherishes its relationship with Grenada and
would like to strengthen cooperation.
Looking to the future of the Sino-Grenadian relationship,
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kong Quan told a regular press
conference on Thursday that the central government will not object
to non-governmental trade exchanges between Taiwan and Grenada.
(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2005)