Belize condemns action taken by China against foreign minister

BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC) — The Belize Government has defended Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science and Technology Minister, Francis Fonseca, after China on Monday accused him and a senior government minister in Paraguay of adopting “anti-China” policies. “Belize remains committed to peaceful relations with all states, to dialogue as the means of resolving differences, and to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. We call on all states to refrain from unilateral coercive measures against officials of other states. “We will consult closely with our bilateral and regional partners and the wider international community on this development,” the John Briceno Government said in a statement. Belize and Paraguay are among 12 countries that keep formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a renegade province and has urged countries to adopt the “One China” policy. Apart from Belize, the other Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries with diplomatic relations with Taiwan include St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Kitts and Nevis and Haiti. On Monday, China’s foreign ministry cited national sovereignty and security, noting that some politicians in Belize and Paraguay have been “anti-China” in pushing for their countries to keep diplomatic ties with Taiwan. In two notices, it said the measures include denying entry visas for Hong Kong and Macau and prohibiting Chinese organisations and individuals from engaging in transactions, cooperation or other activities with the two officials. But in a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it has “taken note of the announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China on October 12, 2026, concerning unilateral measures against” Fonseca. It said Belize is a “sovereign and independent state” and that under the Charter of the United Nations, every state has the right to conduct its foreign policy free from external pressure. “The principles of sovereign equality and non-intervention in the affairs of other states are the foundation of the international order on which small states depend for their security and development. “Belize’s diplomatic relationship with Taiwan was established by a sovereign decision of our country. It is a partnership that has delivered cooperation in development, health, education, infrastructure, the environment, and agriculture for the benefit of the Belizean people.” The statement said that Fonseca 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. These measures will not alter Belize’s foreign policy, nor will they deter the Government from carrying out its responsibilities. The Government of Belize continues to stand fully behind Minister Fonseca.” Belize said that it wanted to thank “its regional and international partners for their solidarity and will continue to keep the Belizean public informed”.