Can Beijing Break Belize’s Taiwan Alliance?

Belize’s friendship with Taiwan is becoming increasingly rare and, perhaps, increasingly tested. As China continues persuading countries to cut ties with Taipei, Belize remains one of Taiwan’s twelve diplomatic allies. But what makes that relationship worth defending in a rapidly changing world? Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca says Belize’s position goes beyond diplomacy. He describes it as a commitment rooted in principle, democracy and shared values. Belize’s Ambassador to Taiwan, Katherine Meighan, goes even further, saying the country stands on the right side of history and intends to remain there. Their comments raise a larger question: as pressure from Beijing grows, how firmly will Belize hold its ground?

 

Katherine Meighan, Belize Ambassador To Taiwan

“I think the world and history continue to show that your values and philosophy and true belief is what will continue to help you, being on the right side of history. I am a firm believer that Belize is on the right side of history and will find itself on the right side of history and the Taiwan story is just one of those. I don’t really think it is about the volume, the number of ally nations is less relevant at this point. When you look at economic diplomacy, you are here you see all these other countries, including the big ones we talk about, they are here. They are involved, they are apart of the ecosystem or just the community. Their focus is on trade. This is incredibly important in this world when we look at these angle. That is one angle, that puts Belize in a positive position. But it has not affected them as a player in the world.”

Belize Studies Taiwan’s Diplomatic Resolve Closely

 

Size and power can shape a territorial dispute, but they do not necessarily determine its outcome. Taiwan has spent decades defending its position under pressure from China, a country with far greater military and economic strength. Belize now approaches a decisive stage in its own territorial dispute with Guatemala, as it prepares to make its case before the International Court of Justice. The circumstances are not identical, but could Taiwan’s experience teach Belize something about diplomacy, international support and national resolve? Ambassador Katherine Meighan shared her perspective.

 

Katherine Meighan, Belize Ambassador To Taiwan

“Not to be too philosophical, but I always kind of go back to the story of David and Goliath from the bible. There is a true aspect to this that says, you don’t have to be the big player, it is not physically big and resource big that wins the race all the time. The tortoise and the hare. There are so many stories throughout history right, that tells you, that you as a country has to strategically find you way to win the battle, or win the war, not the battle. To me, it is really how does Belize find that, how does Belize learn from examples like Taiwan and other countries. We are a passionate people about our country and now we have to take our passion and apply that inwardly so we can truly be the player we know we can be.”

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

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