Staff Correspondent, Dhaka:
The United States has criticized China’s sanctions against officials from Belize and Paraguay over their ties with Taiwan, highlighting how the rivalry between Washington and Beijing is extending into Latin America and the wider international diplomatic arena.
The US State Department said the Trump administration opposed what it described as Chinese “coercion and aggression” against countries exercising their sovereign rights. Spokesperson Tommy Pigott reiterated Washington’s commitment to its regional partnerships, citing Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning against allowing the Western Hemisphere to become a base for strategic competitors.
Belize and Paraguay are among the 12 countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China regards as part of its territory. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s claim and continues to pursue international engagement despite growing diplomatic pressure.
The sanctions against the two countries’ ministers appear largely symbolic, as officials from Taiwan’s diplomatic partners generally have limited reasons to travel to China. Nevertheless, the measures underline Beijing’s efforts to discourage governments from maintaining official relations with Taipei.
For Washington, the dispute carries implications beyond Taiwan’s diplomatic status. China’s expanding influence in Latin America has become a concern for US policymakers seeking to preserve American strategic partnerships in the region. Supporting Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies also provides Washington with an opportunity to challenge Beijing’s efforts to isolate the island internationally.
Taiwanese officials have condemned the sanctions as interference in the diplomatic decisions of sovereign states. Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi said Taiwan’s international visibility was increasing, while Premier Cho Jung-tai rejected China’s attempts to influence other countries’ foreign relations.
The diplomatic contest reflects a broader struggle over international influence, sovereignty, and competing political systems. With China continuing to seek recognition of its position on Taiwan, pressure on the island’s remaining diplomatic partners could intensify. The dispute also risks drawing more Latin American and Caribbean countries into the wider strategic competition between Washington and Beijing.
