CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC):

The main opposition St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) Friday called on the government of Prime Minister Sir John Compton to clarify its diplomatic relationship with China.

The SLP said that the Compton administration's 'duplicitous handling' of its relationship with Taiwan, which China has described as a renegade province was also hurting the island's international reputation.

The SLP said it is clear that confusion exists within the ranks of the ruling United Workers Party (UWP) on its stance regarding Taiwan, noting that recent statements by Foreign Minister Rufus Bousquet were at odds with pronouncements by Sir John.

Broken relations

But last week, Sir John had indicated that his administration was not about to break relations with China.

The former government of Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony had broken relations with Taiwan soon after coming to office in 1979 and warned it "Would be a retrograde step if St. Lucia would abandon ties withthe Peoples' Republic of China, especially since China is now seen as one of the world's fastest growing economies, and in a context where most of the Caribbean countries are abandoning ties with Taiwan in exchange for relationships with China."

The opposition party said that it was 'fully aware' that the real diplomatic tussle may be as a result of the recent campaign for the December 11 general elections that was won by the UWP.

'The SLP said it is clear that confusion exists within the ranks of the ruling United Workers Party (UWP) on its stance regarding Taiwan.'