Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño has denounced China’s sanctions on Belizean Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca, calling them unjustified and illegal. The sanctions, announced after Fonseca and Paraguayan Minister of Information and Communication Technologies Gustavo Villate attended Taiwan’s Double Ten National Day in Taipei, include freezing any assets held in China, barring business transactions, and denying entry to China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
Briceño, speaking at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings in Bangkok, emphasized that the sanctions would only bolster Belize’s resolve to support Taiwan. He insisted that Belize, as a sovereign nation, has the right to determine its foreign policy and will continue its diplomatic relations with Taiwan despite pressure from China.
The prime minister reiterated Belize’s commitment to standing by Taiwan, underscoring the importance of their diplomatic ties. China, which considers Taiwan a part of its territory, opposes official international engagement with the island. However, Belize remains one of the few countries maintaining formal relations with Taipei, highlighting ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding Taiwan’s status.
The sanctions against Fonseca and Villate underscore the challenges faced by countries that engage with Taiwan amidst China’s opposition. As Beijing continues to exert pressure, Belize’s stance signifies its dedication to supporting Taiwan’s international presence.