Grenada, a Caribbean nation that recognized the Taiwan regime for 15 years, resumed diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in Beijing on Thursday.

The event saw the signing of a joint communiqué by Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his Grenadian counterpart Elvin Nimrod.

"Today's resumption of ties reaffirmed to the whole world that the one-China policy is commonly acknowledged by the international community, and that the attempts of Taiwan independence forces are doomed," Li said at the ensuing joint press conference.

Nimrod said the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Grenada is of historic significance and that they are looking forward to developing long-term ties.

So far, China has established diplomatic links with a total of 166 countries.

Grenada first established diplomatic relations with China in October 1985, but China suspended ties in August 1989, about two months after they had openly recognized the Taiwan authority.

Last December, Grenadian Prime Minister Keith Mitchell visited Beijing. During his five-day stay, he held talks with Li Zhaoxing and exchanged views with Chinese leaders on issues of common concern.

Li said that the government is "willing to cooperate with Grenada, in line with the five principles of peaceful coexistence, in such fields as politics, economy, trade, culture and education."

He also hoped the two sides would increase exchanges, mutual understanding and trust, and exchange ambassadors at an early date.

Given both countries are developing nations, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said China cherishes its relationship with Grenada and would like to strengthen cooperation.

Looking to the future of the Sino-Grenadian relationship, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kong Quan told a regular press conference on Thursday that the central government will not object to non-governmental trade exchanges between Taiwan and Grenada.

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2005)