Can a global superpower dictate who Belize chooses as its friends? That question is now at the center of a diplomatic standoff after China sanctioned Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca over Belize’s longstanding relationship with Taiwan. The measures freeze any assets Fonseca may have in China and bar him from travelling to Hong Kong and Macau. Fonseca says the sanctions will not affect him personally, but warns that they represent a serious attempt to pressure a small, sovereign nation. With the United States and regional partners weighing in, Belize is making it clear that its foreign policy is not up for negotiation. Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
China has sanctioned Belize’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Francis Fonseca, as well as Paraguay’s communications minister. The measures include freezing any assets they may hold in China and denying them entry into Hong Kong and Macau. Fonseca says the restrictions will not disrupt his life. He has no assets in China and no immediate plans to travel there. But, he argues, the real issue goes far beyond him. It is about whether small nations, such as Belize, can freely decide their own foreign policy.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“It does not affect me personally and obviously I do not have an asset in China. But it is a very serious matter, and I think we should treat it with absolute seriousness. I think, you know, the fundamental issue is the right of small states, like Belize, to determine our own foreign policy, who we establish diplomatic relations with, who are our friends. In this case, Belize has had diplomatic relations with Taiwan for thirty-seven years across political administrations. We have maintained those relations because we believe, across party lines, that relationship has been in the interest of the people and country of Belize.”
The sanctions followed Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s visit to Belize, where both countries strengthened cooperation and discussed expanding Belizean exports, from seafood to cocoa and coffee. In an interview with News Five in Taipei, Taiwan’s foreign minister reflected on his trip, saying quote, “so apart from the co-prosperity academy that we are working with the University, we also have projects including healthcare at the San Pedro Hospital. We are also working on smart systems. We are also working on smart agriculture and aquaculture. We hope to import more of the excellent products, including shrimp, lobster, cocoa and coffee.”
Cho Jung
Cho Jung, Taiwan Premier
“The People’s Republic of China has no right to interfere in the domestic affairs or to influence the foreign relations of any sovereign and independent foreign state, including the Republic of China, Taiwan. We will continue to work even more closely with diplomatic allies and other democracies.”
Fonseca says Belize’s thirty-seven-year relationship with Taiwan has survived successive political administrations because both major parties have considered it beneficial to the country. He warns that allowing a larger nation to pressure a smaller state could weaken the principles of sovereign equality and non-intervention. Despite the diplomatic fallout, Fonseca says the sanctions will not hurt Belize’s economy. They target him alone and will not affect trade or stop Belizeans from travelling to China.
Francis Fonseca
“First of all, there is no evidence that there will be any impact on trade and economic issues. We have absolutely no information to suggest that. This coercive measure that has been imposed is placed on me as an individual who is currently the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Belize. So, it has no impact on the country. It has no impact on Belizeans. Even as they have said, it does not impact Belizeans travelling to China.”
The United States State Department has since come to the defense of Belize and Paraguay, saying the Trump administration opposes coercion and aggression by China against countries in the Western Hemisphere that exercise their sovereign rights. Fonseca welcomed that support and says Belize is also engaging its regional and international partners, including CARICOM, SICA and the Organization of American States. The U.S. also came to Belize and Paraguay’s defense. The U.S. State Department says, quote, The Trump administration opposes coercion and aggression by China against countries in our hemisphere for exercising their sovereign rights, end quote.
Francis Fonseca
“We are grateful for the statement put out by the U.S. State Department condemning this attempt to coerce Belize into taking a position in terms of our own foreign policy. We certainly welcome that statement. We are also engaged with our friends and partners in CARICOM, SICA and the OAS.”
For now, Fonseca maintains that the sanctions stop with him. They do not affect Belize’s trade, its economy or the ability of Belizeans to travel to China. And despite the mounting diplomatic pressure, the government says its relationship with Taiwan remains firmly in place. Paul Lopez for News Five.
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