China has imposed sanctions on Paraguayan Communications Minister Gustavo Villate and Belizean Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca over their countries' diplomatic engagement with Taiwan, Beijing's Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.
The punitive measures, which took effect immediately, freeze any assets the two ministers hold in China and ban them from receiving entry visas to Hong Kong and Macau. Chinese organisations and individuals are also prohibited from conducting transactions, partnerships, or other activities with the officials.
Beijing’s Foreign Ministry said the steps were taken to safeguard national sovereignty and counter separatist activities regarding Taiwan, which China views as part of its territory. The ministry accused the officials of taking "a series of egregious actions and statements" that harmed China's core interests, asserting that anti-China politicians driven by self-interest have continued to advocate for maintaining diplomatic ties with Taipei.
Paraguay and Belize are among only 12 countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a status the government in Taipei defends against Beijing's territorial claims. Taiwan’s diplomatic presence in the Americas also includes Guatemala, Haiti, and three Caribbean nations, with Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung visiting Belize last month to discuss deepening ties between the two governments.
The announcement arrived two days after Taiwan observed its National Day. Villate marked the event on social media by stating that Paraguay reaffirms its friendship and cooperation based on self-determination, democracy, and human rights, while the Belize embassy in Taiwan celebrated the 37th anniversary of bilateral relations.
In a speech on Saturday outside the Presidential Office, Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te remarked that the island cherishes peace and will "not give up our freedom". China's Taiwan Affairs Office rejected Lai’s address, stating it distorted truth and misled the public. Chinese President Xi Jinping had earlier pledged in January that the reunification of China and Taiwan remains unstoppable.
While the United States does not hold formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Washington is legally required to provide the island with self-defence support. Earlier in October, the US transferred two fighter jets to Taiwan to strengthen its defences against potential Chinese military action.
