Belize’s government stated that it supports the participation of Taiwan as an observer at the World Health Assembly (WHA). In fact, Belize has persistently supported role of Taiwan in World Health Organisation (WHO) meetings, activities and mechanisms.
Similarly, Taiwan supported Belize in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. It provided the Caribbean country with essential medical supplies and equipment such as N95 and surgical masks, protective gowns and ventilators.
On January 11, 2023, Taiwan and Belize also signed an agreement for the establishment of the San Pedro General Hospital in Belize and the former gave it around 5,000 disposable non-surgical isolation gown and 1,200 units of sanitisers.
In a statement, Belize’s government stated, “The government of Belize remains committed to the joint efforts led by the WHO and reiterates its support for the inclusion of Taiwan as an observer at the 76th WHA to help the fight against COVID-19, other emerging communicable diseases, and the sharing of genetic sequencing information, which is critical.”
A reciprocal relationship
Since, the Caribbean region is troubled by the prevalence of a wide range of infectious diseases such as leprosy, dog-mediated human rabies, intestinal parasites, trachoma etc, the partnership between Belize and Taiwan is significant from a health perspective for the former.
Similarly, for Taiwan the partnership is extremely significant because one of its allies have reiterated its stance and strengthened its partnership with it. In fact, in September last year, Belize and Taiwan signed an Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA), the deal gave preferential treatment to Belize’s goods in Taiwan.
The consolidation of partnership between Belize and Taiwan comes in the backdrop of repeated military aggressions and territorial expansions by China. Recently, Beijing conducted its largest-ever show of military strength in the air and seas around Taiwan, even firing ballistic missiles.
Read more: Taiwan-Caribbean bonhomie: an untold story
China-Taiwan Tussle
The intimidation tactics of China followed a visit to Taiwan by the former speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.
Beijing does not recognise the political sovereignty and territorial integrity of Taiwan, Xi Jinping has made numerous endeavours to erode any diplomatic, political and economic support for Taipei in any region. Since one of the regions where support for Taiwan is widespread is the Caribbean. In addition to Belize, Haiti, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines etc. are allies of Taiwan and support its cause.
This has prompted China to make persistent attempts to woo these countries under its dominance and sever all ties with Taiwan.
Taiwan is slowly gaining ground
However, except in the case of the Dominican Republic, that has not happened. On the contrary, Caribbean countries have rejected the authoritarian agenda of China and embraced the sovereignty of Taiwan.
St Kitts and Nevis is another country to join the rising lists of diplomatic and political allies of Taiwan. On February 3rd, St Kitts’s ambassador to Taiwan, Donya Francis emphasised that his country will continue to support Taipei in international organisations.
Francis also stressed that strong relations between St Kitts and Taiwan also meant that his country will do everything it can to incorporate Taipei in the international community.
He further added, “Saint Kitts and Nevis is small, but it’s one of Taiwan’s best friends. We have been one of Taiwan’s best friends for 40 years and I believe we [will] get 40 more years, there’s no question about that.”
Read more: Taiwan slashes China’s trade tentacles in the Caribbean
Therefore, Taiwan has been gaining several voices of support in the Caribbean. The island nation is forging a relationship with nations like St Kitts and Nevis and Belize on economic and healthcare sectors as part of a wider strategy to enhance the diplomatic support for Taipei in the face of Chinese hegemony. With Belize reiterating its support, the future for Taiwan looks bright.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q_fLEOqV8E