Senate Supports Taiwan

Also during today’s Sitting of the Senate, the government tabled a motion in support of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Senator for Government Business Eamon Courtenay reminded Senators that throughout the 34 years of friendship and alliance, Belize and Taiwan have continuously supported and helped each other and closely cooperated in numerous areas, ranging from diplomatic affairs, infrastructure, and medical care to culture and education. Courtenay added that Belize continuously extends unwavering support to Taiwan in safeguarding its democracy and freedom, as well as the self-determination of Taiwanese people, when Taiwan faces military, political, and economic coercion and hegemonic threats from the People’s Republic of China. The motion had the support of the entire Senate. Here are some of the contributions. 

Sheena Pitts, Lead UDP Senator: “This resolution was very well crafted and it represents the closest and truest position that any government red or blue could have towards the support from the Republic of Taiwan and I take this opportunity to join with the leader of government business in moving this resolution in that it cannot be a question whether or not we should support them but that we take the first opportunity to do this very thing to let them and the world know that we will continue to support them.”

Bishop Alvin Benguche, Senator for Churches: “I commend the fact that we can continue to deepen our relationship with a country such as Taiwan that has shared in so many ways in Belize. I think it is a welcomed opportunity for us as is listed here to continue to deepen that relationship.”

Kevin Herrera, Senator for Private Sector: “We need to support them because of where we were and where we came from. But another good reason to support them I think is the changing geopolitics that we’re seeing at play given the recent invasion by Russia of Ukraine and the changing dynamics that we’re seeing China/Russia getting together more. The reality of our geography as a country I think will push us to where we are right now in terms of our support for Taiwan and where we’re aligning ourselves internationally. And so I close by saying that Belize and the government is right to put this resolution before us today Madam President because I think we should fully support Taiwan in its struggle.”

Taiwan’s President Dr. Tsai Ing-wen will be visiting Belize in a few days