China Sanctions Paraguay, Belize Ministers Over Ties With Taiwan

BEIJING, Oct 12: China on Monday announced sanctions against Paraguay’s Minister of Information and Communication Technologies Gustavo Villate and Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca over their alleged involvement in activities related to Taiwan.

The measures include freezing their assets and other property in China, prohibiting Chinese individuals and organisations from conducting business or cooperating with them, and denying them visas and entry into mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao.

China’s Foreign Ministry said the restrictions came into effect on Monday under the country’s Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law. Beijing described the action as a response to what it considers foreign interference in its domestic affairs and challenges to its territorial sovereignty.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning defended the decision at a regular news briefing, emphasising that Taiwan remains a central issue in China’s foreign policy.

“The Taiwan question is a major issue of principle bearing on China’s sovereignty and national reunification. It is at the core of China’s core interests,” Mao said.

She alleged that certain political figures in Paraguay and Belize had supported Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and its efforts to secure international backing for independence.

According to Mao, the officials’ visits to Taiwan and their meetings with individuals whom Beijing identifies as supporters of Taiwan’s independence constituted interference in China’s internal affairs.

The spokesperson also accused the two ministers of spreading what China described as disinformation concerning alleged Chinese cyberattacks and of making statements that damaged the country’s international reputation.

Mao said the sanctions were intended to send a warning to those engaging in activities that Beijing considers contrary to its sovereignty and national interests.

China maintains that Taiwan is an integral part of its territory and strongly opposes official exchanges between the island and countries that have diplomatic relations with Beijing. It has repeatedly criticised foreign political representatives for visiting Taiwan or supporting its participation in international affairs.

The latest measures reflect Beijing’s continuing efforts to discourage international engagement with Taiwan, particularly by officials from countries that recognise the People’s Republic of China diplomatically.

Taiwan, which operates under its own elected government, maintains international partnerships and seeks greater participation in global institutions. Its political status remains a longstanding source of tension between Beijing and governments and political representatives that maintain ties with the island.

The sanctions against Villate and Fonseca add to the diplomatic pressure China has applied against foreign officials over their interactions with Taiwan. Beijing has consistently warned that it will respond to actions it views as support for Taiwanese independence.

The move highlights the continuing diplomatic divisions surrounding Taiwan’s international status and the challenges faced by countries seeking to manage their relations with both China and Taiwan.