By Breaking Belize News Staff: China is defending its decision to sanction Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca, describing the measures as a warning against support for Taiwanese independence, while assuring Belizeans that the restrictions will not affect other citizens wishing to travel to China.
In a written statement provided to Breaking Belize News after the newsroom sought comment on the diplomatic controversy, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Jamaica defended Beijing’s actions, accusing certain politicians of allowing themselves to be used by Taiwan to advance its political interests.
The Embassy described such politicians as “chess pieces” for Taiwanese authorities seeking international support for independence and accused them of interfering in China’s internal affairs by receiving Taiwanese officials in their countries.
China maintains that Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory and that the government in Beijing is the sole legitimate government representing China, a position rejected by Taiwan’s democratically elected government.
According to the Embassy, the sanctions were imposed under China’s Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law as an action of “warning and deterrence.”
The measures, announced on October 12, include freezing any assets Fonseca may hold in China, prohibiting Chinese organizations and individuals from conducting business with him, and barring him from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.
However, the Embassy sought to clarify to Breaking Belize News that the restrictions are directed at Fonseca personally and do not extend to ordinary Belizean citizens.
“Please note that the countermeasures will not affect other Belizeans who may hope to travel to China,” the spokesperson stated.
The Embassy also noted that Fonseca was not the only foreign official targeted in the latest round of sanctions. Beijing imposed similar measures against Paraguay’s Minister of Information and Communication Technologies, Gustavo Villate, over that country’s continued diplomatic recognition of Taiwan.
The Government of Belize has rejected the sanctions, insisting that Fonseca was carrying out his official responsibilities in the national interest and that the measures will not alter Belize’s longstanding diplomatic relationship with Taiwan.
The United States has also condemned the sanctions, with State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott declaring that Washington opposes Chinese coercion against countries exercising their sovereign rights.
The diplomatic dispute follows a September visit to Belize by Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, during which the two countries signed new cooperation agreements. Belize has maintained formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan since 1989 and remains one of its 12 diplomatic allies worldwide.
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