China has imposed sanctions on Belize’s Foreign Minister and Paraguay’s communications minister over their countries’ ties to Taiwan, escalating Beijing’s diplomatic pressure on governments that maintain relations with the self-governing island, according to published reports from the Associated Press, ABC News and other international news agencies.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the measures on Monday, October 12, citing the protection of China’s national sovereignty and opposition to what it describes as Taiwanese separatist activities. The sanctions took effect immediately.
Belize’s Foreign Minister Hon. Francis Fonseca responded today via a text message to Belizean media houses, saying that “Belize is proud to stand with Taiwan in support of the principles of self determination and international law.”
In a statement issued same day, the Belize Ministry of Foreign affairs doubled down on the F.M.’s declaration, saying that “The Minister has acted at all times in his official capacity, on the instructions of the Government and in the national interest of Belize. Measures directed at an individual for carrying out the lawful duties of his office are unwarranted, and we reject them. We call on all states to refrain from unilateral coercive measures against officials of other states.”
The response signals that Belize intends to maintain its position on Taiwan, even as China moves to penalize officials associated with that relationship.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes official relations between Taiwan and countries that recognize Beijing diplomatically. Taiwan, which governs itself, maintains diplomatic relations with a limited number of countries, including Belize and Paraguay.
Belize’s position places the issue within a broader debate over national sovereignty, diplomatic recognition and the right of peoples to determine their own political future. Beijing maintains that its actions defend the one-China principle, while Belize has reiterated its support for Taiwan and the principle of self-determination.