Taiwan withdraws from PARLACEN

2023/08/24

The ROC (Taiwan) government has withdrawn from the Central American Parliament to uphold national sovereignty and dignity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Aug. 22.
 
The MOFA’s announcement came after the PARLACEN’s decision to adopt a proposal the day before local time from the Nicaraguan parliamentary group that would exclude Taiwan and include China in the Guatemala City-headquartered political entity.
 
Taiwan’s participation as a PARLACEN extra-regional permanent observer began in 1999. Since then, it has worked with the body’s member states to implement projects that promote regional development and prosperity for the benefit of all people in the area, the MOFA said.
 
The ministry said that the proposal not only disregards Taiwan’s long-term contributions to the integration and development of Central America, it also aims to sow division within the PARLACEN and disrupt harmony in the region. The government condemns Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega’s dictatorial regime for erroneously citing U.N. Resolution 2758 in support of the proposal and hewing to the false narrative of Beijing’s one China principle, the MOFA added.
 
According to the ministry, this plot to deprive Taiwan of its rights and status in the PARLACEN has gravely harmed the long-term cooperation and friendship between the people of Taiwan and the nations of Central America. It also highlights Beijing’s intention to erode democracy and advance its expansionist ambitions in the region, the ministry added.
 
ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country, the ministry said, adding that neither side of the Taiwan Strait is subordinate to the other. Beijing’s unrelenting attempts to suppress Taiwan will not gain it the affirmation of the global community but will instead serve to bolster Taiwan’s determination to expand its global presence.
 
The government will continue to staunchly advocate for freedom and democracy and actively work with allies and like-minded partners to safeguard regional peace and stability as it strives for recognition of Taiwan’s rightful international status, the ministry said. 


Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)