ROC severs ties with Senegal after Dakar recognizes Beijing

        The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) held a press conference Oct. 25 to announce that the government of the Republic of China had severed ties with the Republic of Senegal after that country announced that it had officially recognized the People's Republic of China. The ROC ambassador to the West African nation was recalled and all Taiwanese aid projects in that country have been terminated. The move leaves the ROC with 25 diplomatic allies.

        According to MOFA, Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade sent a letter to President Chen Shui-bian stating that his government had decided to resume diplomatic ties with Beijing and that he hoped to maintain only economic, trade and cultural relations with the ROC. Wade reportedly wrote in the letter that, between countries, there are only interests, no friends.

        MOFA strongly protested the move, saying President Wade was "neglecting our friendship and international justice." The ministry condemned China for "sabotaging our foreign relations and suppressing our diplomatic efforts." Taipei established diplomatic relations with Dakar in January, 1996. Since then, the MOFA said, Taiwan has provided it with assistance in areas such as agriculture and fishery, medical care, education, infrastructure development and job training.

        The numerous aid and development projects in Senegal had in the past been acknowledged by the country's government and its people, the MOFA pointed out.

        According to news reports, Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Tidiane Gadio met in Beijing Oct. 25 with Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and announced the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

        After the meeting, a joint China-Senegal statement was issued stating, "The government of Senegal recognizes that there is only one China in the world."