By Belize Live News Staff: The Government of Belize is pushing back against China’s sanctions on Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca.
In a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had taken note of the unilateral measures announced by the People’s Republic of China against Fonseca, who serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science and Technology.
The Ministry said Fonseca has acted at all times in his official capacity, on the instructions of the Government and in Belize’s national interest.
“Measures directed at an individual for carrying out the lawful duties of his office are unwarranted, and we reject them,” the statement said.
The Government made clear that the sanctions will not change Belize’s foreign policy or deter it from carrying out its responsibilities.
“The Government of Belize continues to stand fully behind Minister Fonseca,” the Ministry said.
China announced earlier on Monday that it was freezing any assets Fonseca holds in China, denying him entry to Hong Kong and Macau, and barring Chinese entities from dealing with him.
