President Ma Ying-jeou has expressed “strong dissatisfaction” with the timing of former ally the Gambia’s restoration of ties with China.
Ma was speaking Thursday, at the close of his final overseas tour as president. The Gambia established relations with Taiwan for a second time in 1995 before abruptly severing ties in November 2013. It formally reestablished relations Mainland China on Thursday, after more than two years of no relations with either side. Taiwan’s media has interpreted the timing of move as a challenge to President-elect Tsai Ing-wen, who will take office in May.
Ma said that Taiwan had been aware that the Gambia and China were set to restore ties, but said that the timing of the decision was “extremely inappropriate”.
On Friday, spokesman for President-elect Tsai Ing-wen’s Democratic Progressive Party Ruan Jhao-syong said that Beijing’s decision to restore ties with the Gambia this week was not directed against any person or party. But he said the timing of the move has reduced Taiwan’s room for maneuvering in the international community.
Ruan said that the move does not benefit the normal development of cross-strait relations. He said that once the Democratic Progressive Party returns to power in May, it will work to solidify ties with allies, fulfill Taiwan’s international responsibilities, and promote regional peace and prosperity.