Talks Continue on Extending Tren Maya Railway Into Belize

Another topic high on today’s high-level meeting agenda was the expansion of Tren Maya, particularly, the inclusion of Belize in the multi-million-dollar project.  Prime Minister Briceño has been a vocal proponent of extending the Tren Maya across the Hondo River, which forms part of the border between Belize and Mexico. This proposal, discussed with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, would connect southern Quintana Roo with Belize and potentially on to Guatemala.  The proposed extension is seen as a way to create a historic corridor for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. It would be executed in stages, with the first phase linking the existing Mexican railway to the Belize border, and a second phase extending the line into Belize to key destinations.  All this, however, is still in the discussion phase as there is no formal agreement made between the two countries. Throughout the discussions, however, the issue of who is financing the Tren Maya Project seems to have created some contention.  With China being a main financier in the mega million-dollar project, the United States has reportedly taken issue with the situation.  One question posed to PM Briceno today was whether the involvement of China would interfere with Belize’s relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan).

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “We are very very strong supports of Taiwan. When I was in Japan and I met the Prime Minister he brought up the issue of Taiwan. He was thanking us to continue to be a strong advocate and friend of Taiwan and we continue to make the case. We support Taiwan simply because we believe in the principle of self determination. It is because of that principle that we’re here today as a free and independent nation and likewise we believe that Taiwanese people should be given that opportunity to determine their future that from all accounts they want to be an independent country known as the Republic of China on Taiwan.”

Love News understands that the primary financing for the Tren Maya comes from the Mexican government itself, largely through a public trust funded by a tourist fee levied on foreign visitors. However, Chinese companies, notably CCCC, have won contracts to build specific sections of the railway. This distinguishes it from a project where a foreign government is the main financier, but it could still mean a significant Chinese presence and involvement in the project’s construction.