China has imposed sanctions on Paraguay’s communications minister, Gustavo Villate, and Belize’s foreign minister, Francis Fonseca, because of their links to Taiwan. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the step on Monday, and it took effect the same day.
The ministry said the measures were meant to protect China’s national sovereignty and to oppose separatist activity in Taiwan. It also accused some politicians opposed to China of acting out of selfish motives, pressing their governments to keep relations with Taiwan.
Asset freezes and visa bans for two ministers
The penalties include freezing any assets the two men hold in China and refusing them entry visas to Hong Kong and Macau. Chinese organisations and individuals are also barred from carrying out transactions, cooperation or other activities with them.
Beijing’s accusations and Taiwan’s response
Beijing said the two officials had taken a series of severe actions and made statements that were “damaging China’s core interests.” Paraguay and Belize are two of 12 countries that officially recognise Taiwan, which China regards as its own territory. Taipei firmly rejects that view.
The sanctions arrived two days after Taiwan’s National Day. On Saturday, President William Lai Ching-te, speaking outside the Presidential Office, said the island values peace and would not surrender its freedom. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office condemned the speech, accusing Lai of ignoring facts, twisting the truth, misleading the public and hiding ulterior motives.
Taiwan’s partners mark ties and recent defence moves
Villate marked Taiwan’s National Day on social media, saying Paraguay’s relationship with the island rests on shared values such as self-determination, human rights and democracy. The Belize embassy in Taiwan posted a message on Facebook marking 37 years of diplomatic relations, expressing hope for growth, opportunity and lasting friendship.
Last month, Taiwan’s foreign minister, Lin Chia-lung, visited Belize, and his ministry said both sides agreed to deepen their ties. Taiwan’s other allies in the Americas are Guatemala and Haiti, and it also has ties with three Caribbean islands. The United States has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but is legally obliged to help the island defend itself. Earlier this month, Washington delivered two fighter jets to Taiwan as it works to strengthen its defences against a feared Chinese attack.
