Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between The People's Republic of China and The Dominican Republic

The People's Republic of China and the Dominican Republic, in keeping with the interests and desire of the two peoples, have decided to recognize each other and establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level effective from the date of signature of this communiqué.

The two Governments agree to develop friendly relations between the two countries on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence.

The Government of the Dominican Republic recognizes that there is but one China in the world, that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Hence the Government of the Dominican Republic severs "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan as of this day. The Government of the People's Republic of China appreciates this position of the Government of the Dominican Republic.

The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Dominican Republic have agreed to exchange Ambassadors as soon as practicable and to provide each other with all the necessary assistance for the establishment and performance of the functions of diplomatic missions in their respective capitals in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and international practice as well as on a reciprocal basis.

The undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this communiqué. Done in duplicate in Beijing on May 1st in the Chinese and Spanish languages, both texts being equally authentic.