Prime Minister Bayliss: China’s sanctions on foreign minister are unreasonable and firmer support for Taiwan

China has imposed sanctions on Taiwan's friendly Belize Minister Fonseca. In an exclusive interview with Central News Agency today, Belize Prime Minister Brissanius said that he was deeply concerned and disappointed with China's move and believed that the relevant measures were unreasonable, wrong and illegal. He emphasized that this will not affect the relationship between Belize and Taiwan, but will strengthen Belize's determination to continue supporting Taiwan.

Prime Minister John Briceño, who is attending the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Bangkok, accepted an exclusive interview with Central News Agency this evening to respond to China's sanctions on Brice's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Francis Fonseca. He said: "Bellys is an independent country and has the right to make its own decisions. Maintaining relations with Taiwan is the right choice."

He believes that as a major country, China takes such measures as unreasonable, unnecessary, "wrong and illegal."

"We are deeply concerned and disappointed that China has taken such a stance," Brisianius told Central News Agency. Brisianius said that Bayliss has stated its position in relevant statements and that China's decision will not change Bayliss's support for Taiwan.

When asked whether China's sanctions would affect Belize's commitment to maintaining relations with Taiwan, Brisianius made it clear "absolutely not" and pointed out that this measure has instead strengthened Belize's determination to continue supporting Taiwan.

Brisianius told CNA that he would seize the opportunity to speak at international forums and continue to speak out for Taiwan, adding: "Taiwan should have the opportunity to determine its own future and should be recognized by the United Nations and other international organizations around the world."

Brisianius pointed out that from economic strength, foreign exchange reserves, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) development, to medical and health care, education and scientific research to respond to climate change, Taiwan has important conditions for the country. He also mentioned that Taiwan's medical system is admirable, and scientists are also helping other countries cope with the challenges posed by climate change.

Brisianius said: "Taiwan has everything that a country could hope for or aspire to have. By definition, Taiwan is a country and should be recognized by the United Nations and other organizations around the world."

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a Ministry of Foreign Affairs order on the 12th to implement "countermeasures" against Belize's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Fonseca and Paraguay's Minister of Information, Communications and Science and Technology Gustavo Emigdio Villate Samaniego. Relevant measures include freezing the movable, real estate and other types of property of the two people in China; prohibiting organizations and individuals in China from conducting transactions, cooperation and other activities with the two people; not issuing visas and not allowing entry, including Hong Kong and Macau.