The prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, arrived in Taiwan on Sunday for a six-day visit. It’s his 11th trip to Taiwan since coming to office.
President Tsai Ing-wen met with Gonsalves on Monday morning. The president notes that Gonsalves arrived at a time when China was conducting military drills nearby. Tsai says Gonsalves’ willingness to come despite the exercises shows the depth of his country’s friendship with Taiwan.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is one of Taiwan’s 14 diplomatic allies.
In reference to China’s aggression toward Taiwan, Gonsalves said his country does not support the idea that a “powerful neighbor” can “bully” a smaller country. He says Taiwan and China must settle their differences “peacefully, in a civilized manner.”
Gonsalves also thanked Taiwan for helping the Caribbean country navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and helping with disaster relief efforts during a recent volcanic eruption.