By Belize Live News Staff: Belize’s longstanding friendship with Taiwan has drawn a direct response from Beijing.
China has sanctioned Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca, Al Jazeera reports, saying the move is aimed at protecting its sovereignty and opposing Taiwan independence. China considers Taiwan part of its territory, a claim Taiwan’s government rejects.
The sanctions came just two days after Taiwan celebrated its National Day on October 10. Al Jazeera notes that the Belize Embassy in Taiwan marked the occasion with a message celebrating 37 years of diplomatic relations and looking ahead to a future of lasting friendship.
The timing also follows a period of closer ties. Last month, Fonseca hosted Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung in Belize, where the two held bilateral talks and witnessed the signing of agreements to establish the Taiwan Caribbean Academy at the University of Belize and to train Belize’s diplomats.
Belize’s relationship with Taiwan has been sustained by both PUP and UDP governments. Opposition Leader Tracy Panton also congratulated Taiwan on its National Day, describing the partnership as an enduring friendship.
According to Al Jazeera, the measures freeze any assets Fonseca may hold in China, bar him from entering Hong Kong and Macau, and prohibit Chinese entities from dealing with him.
The Government of Belize has not yet publicly commented on the sanctions.
