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by Richmond Felix
September 8, 1997 -
St. Lucia has established full diplomatic relation with the Peoples Republic of China as
of September 1, 1997. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. George Odlum in his address at the
official signing ceremony, said that the occasion underscored Governments decision to
regularize the situation where the Peoples Republic of China, will be considered sovereign
and indivisible, and where St. Lucia will observe its own sovereignty, in order to promote
the developmental thrust of St. Lucia and its people. Mr. Odlum said, that the occasion
was brought about through a series of talks between himself and Chinese Ambassador Qin
Huasun.
China like St. Lucia is a developing country, and shares a number of broad based interest.
St. Lucia has established diplomatic relations with China, in conformity with the five
principles of peaceful coexistence and the "one China" principle. Ambassador Qin
Huasun, says that his government has attached great importance to the role of St. Lucia in
regional affairs.
On Friday of last week, Prime Minister of St. Lucia, the Honorable Dr. Kenny Anthony
announced that St. Lucia had severed so called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan.
Ambassador Qin conveyed his governments appreciation of St. Lucia's decision to recognize
the Peoples Republic of China, as the sole legal government representing China in its
entirety. He noted that, China had earlier this year, resumed sovereignty over Hong Kong,
and that Portugal has already reached agreement on the return of Macao to China on
December 20, 1999. Ambassador Qin said that, he is convinced the policy of "one
country, two systems" will surely work in Taiwan and that following the return of
Hong Kong and Macao, the settlement of the Taiwan question is just a matter of time.
An economic and technical agreement has also been signed, where St. Lucia will soon
benefit from a scheme of projects to be undertaken by the Chinese government.
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