Antigua & Barbuda reaffirms support for ‘One China’ Policy

Antigua and Barbuda’s government has recently reaffirmed its support for the People’s Republic of China and its “One China policy.”

The statement comes in response to congratulatory messages sent to Taiwan’s new leader, William Lai, following his recent presidential election victory.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda asserts that it has always supported the “One China policy” since gaining independence in 1981 and has never shifted its allegiance to the Peoples Republic of China.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne meets with China's President Xi Jinping during a 2014 visit to Beijing. (Xinhua)

The government’s statement emphasizes the importance of the “One China Policy,” which is widely recognized by the international community as the consensus that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

The government also supports the idea that the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.

The statement highlights the country’s commitment to non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, which is a fundamental principle enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Antigua and Barbuda delegation in Beijing 2014.

The government further adheres to the General Assembly Resolution 2758 of 1971 that recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations.

The statement concludes by expressing Antigua and Barbuda’s support for the People’s Republic of China’s efforts toward national reunification based on the “One-China Policy” and the desire to maintain positive engagement for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

Meanwhile, China has accused the US of sending “a gravely wrong signal” to those pushing for Taiwan’s independence after Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent Taiwanese president-elect William Lai a message of congratulations following the result.

This message has been deemed as a violation of Washington’s commitment to maintaining only unofficial ties with Taiwan.