The Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically denied a media report yesterday that the government promised huge cash aid in exchange for Kiribati's diplomatic recognition.
Ministry spokesman Richard Shih (
The paper quoted the Kiribati president's brother as claiming that Taiwan had attempted to offer financial assistance to candidates during the Pacific island nation's presidential election last summer. The brother was also quoted as having revealed that Taiwan might have offered US$8 million in aid to Kiribati annually in exchange for the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations.
"The report is absolutely not true and totally unfounded," Shih said in response to questioning by local media. "We have forged diplomatic ties with Kiribati in line with our consistent diplomatic policy of fostering relations with all democratic countries around the world and assisting diplomatic allies in their national development within the scope of Taiwan's financial capability."
Shih said that Kiribati's decision to establish diplomatic ties with Taiwan was not made solely by its president, Anote Tong.
"It was instead a decision made by the Kiribati Cabinet after a lengthy, comprehensive debate based on their national interest," Shih said, adding that since the two countries have become diplomatic allies, Taiwan is certainly willing to help Kiribati develop its economy based on the principle of reciprocity.
Asked how much money Taiwan will donate in aid to Kiribati per year, Shih said there is no agreement on a fixed aid amount. In the memorandum of understanding signed by the two sides on the establishment of diplomatic ties, Shih said, Taiwan promised to provide Kiribati with assistance after a careful evaluation of Kiribati's needs and Taiwan's own budget resources.
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