The Ministry of Foreign Affairs makes the following solemn statement: Following monetary promises and pressure from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), President Abdoulaye Wade of the Republic of Senegal sent a letter to President Chen, Shui-bian today (25th), announcing the resumption of the Republic of Senegal’s diplomatic ties with the PRC and that it would maintain only economic, business and cultural relations with the Republic of China (ROC). President Wade further stated in the letter that “States have no friends, they only have interests.” The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) regrets this announcement. In view of safeguarding national integrity, sovereignty and the well-being of the people, the government of the ROC (Taiwan) has decided to terminate diplomatic relations with the Republic of Senegal and immediately stop all relevant assistance programs. Since the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Republic of Senegal established diplomatic ties on January 3, 1996, the ROC (Taiwan) has actively assisted Senegal in various programs to develop its economy and improve the living standards of its people. In addition to assisting the country with its agricultural and fishery production, improvement of infrastructure, water resources, medical and public health and education, Taiwan has also helped Senegal with its youth employment, vocational training, industrial parks, the project of universities for the future of Africa, micro-loans to farmers and women, as well as aid to the physically-challenged. Together, these programs have accelerated the development of Senegal and improved the livelihood of the Senegalese people. The substantive results have gained recognition and praise from both the public and private sector of Senegal. Regrettably, China has lured, through threats and inducements, President Wade of the Republic of Senegal and other zealous politicians into establishing diplomatic ties with the PRC. The government of the ROC (Taiwan) strongly denounces President Wade for his disregard of the Senegal-ROC friendship and acceptance of China’s inducement; and, in particular, strongly condemns against the PRC’s efforts to stifle our space in the international community. The people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will not sway or change their position to continue to expand the ROC’s space in the international community and promote pragmatic diplomacy. The ROC (Taiwan) government will continue, with firm determination and a pragmatic attitude, to fight for the place that it deserves in the international arena and strive to maintain its national integrity, sovereignty and the people’s well-being. （E）
