President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Visit Belize

Tsai Ing-Wen, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), will lead a delegation on an official visit to Belize in early April 2023. President Tsai Ing-Wen will meet with Prime Minister John Briceño, the Cabinet, and other members of parliament, as well as deliver an address at a joint sitting of parliament. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration will be hosting an exhibition of micro, small, and medium enterprises to highlight the Women Economic Empowerment Project, which the ministry co-implements with the Government of Taiwan. This will be President Tsai’s second visit to Belize during her two terms as president. She will also be visiting Guatemala. Tsai’s “Democratic Partnership for Common Prosperity Journey” will begin on March 29 and last for 10 days. Tsai’s delegation will also stopover in New York City, while on the way back, the group will have a layover in Los Angeles before returning to Taiwan on April 7. Taiwan is in danger of losing one of its few formal allies, Honduras, as the Central American nation seeks official relations with China. Honduran President Xiomara Castro said the pivot aims to expand foreign engagements. Taiwan promptly cautioned Honduras against falling into China’s “trap”. China has long tried to isolate Taiwan and prohibits its partners from keeping ties with the island, which it considers part of its territory. Should Honduras switch sides to China, Taiwan would be recognized by just 13 governments. It will also widen Beijing’s foothold in a region that has historically sided with its rival, Washington.