Former Taiwanese President Dies at 97

Belize is joining the government and people of Taiwan in mourning the passing of one of its former presidents, Lee Ten Hu, who died at the Taipei’s Veterans General Hospital at the age of ninety-seven.  Lee was instrumental in the forging of relations with Belize thirty years ago, when he led a policy to win allies across the world in the face of China’s policy of unification.  Since establishing relations in 1989, Taiwan has shown generosity to Belize in a number of bilateral initiatives.  As recent as Wednesday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow said that Taiwan has expressed interest in investing in the thirty-million-U.S.-dollar treasury note that was launched in June of which only twenty million has been subscribed to.  A statement from Belmopan today reads: “The Government of Belize offers its condolences to Taiwan on the passing of former President Lee Teng-hui. We join you in honouring his accomplishments, including his role in shaping Belize and Taiwan’s spirited relations thirty years ago. Belize extends deepest sympathies and solidarity during this time of sadness.”