The United States has expressed its opposition to China's coercion and aggression against countries that exercise their sovereign rights. This statement comes after China sanctioned ministers from Belize and Paraguay due to their ties with Taiwan. The US State Department emphasized its stance, highlighting that it will not allow the region to become a base for adversaries to threaten security or undermine partnerships.
The sanctions imposed by China are largely symbolic, as ministers from Taiwan's diplomatic allies rarely travel to China. Beijing has previously imposed similar measures mainly on Western politicians for their support of democratically governed Taiwan. The US has been a strong supporter of Taiwan, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, and has expressed concerns over China's efforts to win over Taiwan's remaining allies and increase its influence in Latin America.
Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi stated that China is extending "transnational repression" to Taiwan's allies. He noted that Taiwan's international visibility is growing, and China will be kept busy by this fact. Chen's comments come as Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen prepared to visit Paraguay and Belize to boost ties with the two countries, which are among the 12 nations that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
China views Taiwan as one of its provinces with no right to behave like a state, a view that Taipei's government strongly rejects. The Trump administration has been vocal in its support for Taiwan, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the US will not allow its region to become a base of operation for adversaries. The US stance has been reiterated by State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, who emphasized that the US stands with its friends and partners, including Taiwan, to advance shared prosperity, security, and values.
The sanctions imposed by China have been criticized by Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai, who stated that Beijing has no right to interfere in the domestic affairs of, or influence the diplomacy of, any sovereign and independent state, including Taiwan. Cho added that Taiwan will resist any expansion of hegemony or authoritarianism. The US has also been concerned about China's attempts to increase its influence in Latin America, where Beijing has been actively seeking to expand its presence.
Taiwan's international isolation has been growing, with 44 foreign airlines changing their website classification of Taiwan from a country to being a part of China. Since June 2017, three countries have dropped Taipei to recognize Beijing, leaving Taiwan with only 18 allies, mostly small countries. The US has been working to support Taiwan's international participation and has expressed concerns about China's efforts to undermine Taiwan's sovereignty.
The US-China rivalry over Taiwan is expected to continue, with the US opposing China's coercion and aggression against countries that exercise their sovereign rights. The situation remains tense, with China stepping up pressure on Taiwan's remaining diplomatic allies to sever ties with Taipei. The international community will be watching closely as the situation develops, with implications for regional security and global politics.
Key points
- The US opposes China's coercion and aggression against countries exercising their sovereign rights.
- China views Taiwan as one of its provinces with no right to behave like a state.
- Taiwan's international isolation has been growing, with 44 foreign airlines changing their website classification of Taiwan.
