BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC – The St. Kitts-Nevis government has reiterated the need for “constructive diplomacy to ensure lasting peace and security” after saying that it has noted “with profound and growing concern the recent escalation of tensions” in the Taiwan Strait.
International media reports say that the latest incident occurred two days ago, starting on April 1, when China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) appeared to have increased “joint combat readiness patrols.”
While the April 1 exercise was not specifically named, the April 2 exercise was designated the codename “Strait Thunder-2025A,” raising suspicions as to whether this represents another PLA military exercise aimed at undermining Taiwan’s jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait.
St. Kitts-Nevis is among a handful of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries with diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province. It says that it “holds the conviction that all societies, regardless of size or geopolitical influence, should be allowed to advance their development without fear of aggression, intimidation, or the threat of conflict.
“We emphasize and reiterate the need for constructive diplomacy to ensure lasting peace and security across the Taiwan Strait and reaffirm our commitment to advancing peace and prosperity for all. ”
There are many islands in the strait. The largest and most important islands off the coast of Fujian are Xiamen, Gulangyu, Pingtan, Kinmen, and Matsu. The first three are controlled by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and the last two by the Republic Of China (ROC).
Apart from St. Kitts-Nevis, the other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries with diplomatic relations with Taiwan are Belize, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Haiti.
Meanwhile, last week, the National Assembly passed a resolution by Prime Minister Drew endorsing Taiwan’s participation in various international and regional organizations.
The resolution, which reaffirms the Federation’s steadfast diplomatic support of Taiwan, calls for Taiwan’s “meaningful participation” in key international bodies, including the United Nations, World Health Organization, United Nations Convention on Climate Change, International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Criminal Police Organization.
Drew said the resolution highlights Taiwan’s strong diplomatic relationship with St. Kitts-Nevis and its global contributions to public health, climate action, transnational security, and aviation.
“The profound friendship between our two countries has grown stronger over the years based on shared values, respect for the rule of law, democracy, and human rights,” Prime Minister Drew said.
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