China’s Growing Influence Tests Belize-Taiwan Ties

China’s economic influence has already convinced several countries in this region to abandon Taiwan. Belize, however, remains one of Taipei’s twelve diplomatic allies worldwide. But as Beijing’s reach grows, how long can that relationship hold? We asked Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca whether Belize can withstand the pressure.

 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“I think you talk to Belizeans across the country, regular Belizeans across the country over the last thirty-seven years, they will tell you that they believe this relationship with Taiwan has really been good for Belize. It has contributed to our national development. We have seen the tangible benefits in the areas education, health, agriculture, our fight in terms of climate change, environment issues, housing. So across the board, in terms of our national development agenda. Taiwan has been a very faithful and good partner in Belize’s development. So, we are grateful for that. On principle, Belize supports Taiwan’s rights to self determination. That is a principle fundamental to our own existence as a state.”

 

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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