By Breaking Belize News Staff: New United States Ambassador to Belize André Bauer says Washington values its relationship with Taiwan and welcomes Belize’s continued close ties with Taipei, despite the United States maintaining formal diplomatic recognition of the People’s Republic of China.
Bauer addressed the issue shortly after arriving in Belize on Friday.
“Both of our countries have prioritized the relationship with Taiwan,” he said.
Bauer said he has personally visited Taiwan and has also interacted with Taiwanese investors in his home state of South Carolina.
“We have a very good relationship with the Taiwanese, and we prioritize that relationship,” Bauer said. “I am very thankful that Belize has prioritized that relationship as well.”
Belize is one of Taiwan’s formal diplomatic allies and has repeatedly reaffirmed its recognition of the Republic of China (Taiwan) as a sovereign and independent nation.
A reporter questioned Bauer on the apparent contrast between Belize’s formal recognition of Taiwan and the U.S. “one China” policy.
The United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979 and recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China. At the same time, Washington maintains extensive unofficial economic, cultural and security relations with Taiwan under a framework including the Taiwan Relations Act.
Bauer said it was not his role to dictate Belizean foreign policy.
“I don’t make policy for Belize,” he said.
But based on his own experience, Bauer described Taiwan as a reliable economic partner and said the United States continues to regard Taiwan as “a very good partner and friend.”
He said he looks forward to facilitating continued cooperation involving Belize, the United States and Taiwan.
The post U.S. Ambassador to Belize André Bauer praises Belize’s ties with Taiwan despite U.S. ‘one China’ policy appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: New United States Ambassador to Belize André Bauer says Washington values its relationship with Taiwan and welcomes Belize’s continued close ties with Taipei, despite the United States maintaining formal diplomatic recognition of the People’s Republic of China. Bauer addressed the issue shortly after arriving in Belize on Friday. “Both of
The post U.S. Ambassador to Belize André Bauer praises Belize’s ties with Taiwan despite U.S. ‘one China’ policy appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.