By Breaking Belize News Staff: Taiwan has strongly condemned China’s decision to sanction Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca, describing Beijing’s actions as political intimidation and an unacceptable interference in the sovereignty and foreign policies of independent nations.
In a statement issued Monday, October 12, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the sanctions “preposterous” and accused China of attempting to coerce other countries into submitting to its political agenda through intimidation and transnational repression. The Ministry also described Beijing’s tactics as “despicable.”
The Taiwanese Embassy in Belize also publicly expressed appreciation for Belize’s continued support, posting a message thanking the government and people of Belize for standing firmly with Taiwan and fighting against what it described as oppression and intimidation from authoritarianism.
“We also wish to extend our utmost respect for Minister Hon. Francis Fonseca,” the Embassy stated in a message published on its official Facebook page.
Taiwan further maintained that it is a sovereign, independent country and that China has no right to interfere in its diplomatic relationships. It reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Belize and Paraguay, emphasizing that its partnerships are built on equality, mutual respect and shared democratic values.
China announced sanctions against Fonseca and Paraguay’s Communications Minister Gustavo Villate earlier Monday, imposing travel bans, restrictions on business dealings with Chinese entities and the freezing of any assets they may hold in China. Beijing accused both officials of undermining its sovereignty through their support for Taiwan.
The Government of Belize has also rejected the sanctions, declaring that the measures will not alter its foreign policy or deter it from maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Belize’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that Fonseca was carrying out his official duties in the national interest.
The diplomatic confrontation comes just weeks after Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung visited Belize and signed new cooperation agreements with Fonseca. Belize and Taiwan established diplomatic relations in 1989 and marked their 37th anniversary on October 11, just one day before China announced the sanctions.
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