The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) recently hosted a special reception in honour of the 115th Taiwan’s National Day Anniversary. The event, which was held on the evening of Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Sandals Golf and Country Club in Cap Estate, also served to celebrate the enduring years of friendship between Saint Lucia and Taiwan.
Speaking at the reception, H.E. Nicole Su, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, said the occasion was a special milestone as this year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. She said every nation’s journey to democracy and freedom is shaped by unique historical settings and conditions. Despite these differences, she noted that a common desire and shared belief in democracy, freedom, and human rights are qualities that bring Taiwan and Saint Lucia together.
Ambassador Su lamented the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) continued engagement in gray-zone intrusions and military intimidation around the Taiwan Strait, despite the historical fact that the PRC has never governed Taiwan. She thanked the Government and people of Saint Lucia for standing by Taiwan on the international stage over the years.
“Your solidarity with Taiwan and your voice of concern over the peace and security in our region is heart-warming, and it brings hope to the Taiwanese people,” Ambassador Su said. “We thank you for your support in our participation in the United Nations, World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, International Criminal Police Organization, and other international organizations.”
Ambassador Su also commended Saint Lucia’s staunch position in clarifying that China has been maliciously distorting the UNGA Resolution 2758 to block Taiwan’s international participation, even though that Resolution does not mention the word “Taiwan” nor recognizes Taiwan as part of the PRC. Saint Lucia’s support for Taiwan to own its place in the global system, she added, is well-placed, as Taiwan is capable and willing to contribute to the global community.
She outlined that Taiwan economy’s overall size has reached a level comparable to G20 economies, and that, at the end of July this year, Taiwan’s foreign exchange reserves ranked number 4 globally, reaching more than US$594 billion. Taiwan also ranks number 4 in the World Competitiveness Ranking, and its competitiveness has been number 1 for 6 years consecutively among economies with populations of more than 20 million people. Importantly, Taiwan produces more than 90% of the world’s most advanced semiconductor chips, and more than 90% of AI servers are produced and assembled by Taiwanese suppliers.
Guided by values-based and integrated policy, Ambassador Su said the Taiwan Embassy and Technical Mission have been working to ensure that Taiwanese and Saint Lucians prosper and grow together, as she capitalized on the evening’s theme, “Together as One”.
Ambassador Su explained that various people-empowerment workshops have been organized to support the sharing of experiences among different professionals, farmers, community activists, students, teachers, public service officers, men and women, young and old, across Saint Lucia. Additionally, about 50 people have travelled to Taiwan to attend various workshops. Over the past 19 years, 432 students have had the opportunity to study in Taiwan, including 48 students who arrived in Taiwan in August this year.
Hon. Stephenson King, Senior Minister and Minister for Public Service, Transport, Information and Utilities Regulations, read a statement on behalf of Hon. Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Constituency Development, People Empowerment, Justice and National Security. He said the occasion was a testament to the remarkable strides that Taiwan has made over the past century, by transforming a poor, rural agricultural economy into one of the leading economies in the world today.
“Your Excellency, we congratulate you on the economic advancements and development of your people,” Hon. King said. “Your example is one to emulate. Saint Lucia is extremely grateful that the Government and people of Taiwan have continued to share the fruits of your progress with us. We deeply appreciate your friendship and assistance to us in so many fields of endeavour.”
He added: “It will not be an understatement to say that, were it not for Taiwan, some of the critical economic and social interventions that this Government has undertaken would not have been possible. I’m obliged, therefore, on behalf of the Prime Minister, to reaffirm that this celebration is also an occasion for us in Saint Lucia to reflect on a friendship that has stood the test of time and that is rooted in shared values: democracy, freedom, respect for the rule of law, and a deep commitment to the welfare of our people.”
Hon. King explained that the bonds of friendship between Taiwan and Saint Lucia have grown stronger, deeper, and more meaningful over the years, noting that Taiwan has not been just a diplomatic friend, but also a development partner making a positive impact in the lives of Saint Lucians. He cited the Taiwan Scholarships Programme, which offers education scholarships in various fields, as an example.
Taiwan also supports Saint Lucia’s healthcare sector via medical missions, biomedical equipment, training of health personnel, and crucial support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Technical missions from Taiwan have transformed the local agricultural landscape by introducing new varieties, enhancing food security, training farmers, and assisting with post-harvesting technology. Other initiatives funded by the Taiwan Government include ICT, infrastructure, disaster relief, climate resilience, women and youth empowerment, and the Constituency Development Programme (CDP).
Hon. King reassured Ambassador Su that Saint Lucia remains firmly committed to the longstanding mutual friendship, noting that the opening of the Saint Lucia Embassy in Taipei on June 4, 2015, Saint Lucia’s first embassy in Asia, was a symbol of serious intent.
Taiwan’s National Day, observed annually on October 10, is also referred to as Double Ten Day. The celebration marks the establishment of the Republic of China, which overthrew the Qing Dynasty in 1911 and relocated to Taiwan.