US says it opposes Chinese 'coercion', after Belize, Paraguay ministers sanctioned
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said in response that the United States should "stop sending the wrong signals to Taiwan separatist forces".
The US opposes China's coercion against countries exercising their sovereign rights, particularly concerning Taiwan's relations with Taiwan, according to the State Department. Paraguay and Belize are among the few nations maintaining formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. China considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory, disregarding its independent status.
The sanctions are largely symbolic, as Taiwan's diplomatic allies do not typically visit China. The US, Taiwan's strongest international supporter, condemns China's efforts to sway Taiwan's allies and prevent Taiwan's allies from expanding their influence. Taiwan's officials assert their right to diplomatic relations without interference from foreign powers.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
