Taiwan aid pledge to St. Vincent's development bank still under discussion
Taiwan's foreign ministry is playing down reports that it promised millions in aid to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, saying nothing is final yet — a neutral but telling sign of how carefully Taipei manages its shrinking pool of diplomatic allies.
- St. Vincent's prime minister, Godwin Friday, told reporters back home that Taiwan committed $2 million to the country's national development bank plus $1 million a year for social programs.
- Taiwan's foreign ministry says the projects are still being discussed and no decision has been made.
- Friday visited Taipei in August to mark 45 years of diplomatic ties, and the two sides talked broadly about future cooperation.
- Taiwan already funds farming, health, education and infrastructure work in the Caribbean nation.
Outlook: Expect Taipei to confirm some package eventually, but on its own timing and framed as practical cooperation rather than a cash handout.