By Zoila Palma: The United States has condemned China’s decision to sanction officials from Belize and Paraguay over their countries’ diplomatic relations with Taiwan, describing the measures as coercion against nations exercising their sovereign rights.
The dispute highlights growing tensions between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan’s international standing and China’s expanding influence in Latin America, Modern diplomacy reports.
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the Trump administration opposed China’s use of pressure against countries in the Western Hemisphere for maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
He reaffirmed Washington’s support for its partners, including Taiwan, and pointed to the importance of promoting shared prosperity, security and democratic values. Belize and Paraguay are among the 12 countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
China’s sanctions reflect Beijing’s longstanding efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and persuade its remaining allies to establish formal relations with China instead.
Taiwan rejects Beijing’s claim over the island, while its officials have criticized the sanctions as an attempt to restrict its international participation and pressure countries that recognize it. Chinese officials, meanwhile, have urged the United States to stop supporting what Beijing describes as Taiwanese separatist forces.
The latest issue comes amid intensifying competition between China and the United States for diplomatic and economic influence in Latin America.
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