China has announced sanctions against Belize’s foreign minister and Paraguay’s communications minister over their countries’ diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The move comes as Beijing continues to pressure the few remaining nations that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taipei.
China's foreign ministry announced the measures on Monday, 12 October, citing concerns over national sovereignty and security. Beijing accused politicians in both countries of taking what it described as “anti-China” positions by supporting continued diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The sanctions target Belize's Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca and Paraguay's Minister of Information and Communication Technologies Gustavo Villate. Both officials are now barred from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. Chinese individuals and organisations are also prohibited from conducting transactions, cooperating or engaging in other activities with them.
The announcement follows recent diplomatic meetings involving both ministers and Taiwanese officials. Fonseca met Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung in Belize in September, while Villate held talks with Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi in Paraguay in June.
Belize and Paraguay are among just twelve countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Beijing considers the self-governing island part of its territory, a position firmly rejected by Taiwan's government.
Although the sanctions carry political significance, their practical impact is expected to be limited, as officials from Taiwan's diplomatic allies rarely travel to China. Beijing has previously imposed similar restrictions, mainly targeting Western politicians who have expressed support for Taiwan.
Neither Belize's foreign ministry nor Paraguay's Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies immediately responded to requests for comment. Taiwan's foreign ministry also had no immediate response.
The Chinese announcement came shortly after Belize's embassy in Taiwan marked the 37th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries on 11 October.
“Together, we look forward to a future of growth, opportunity, and lasting friendship,” the Belize embassy wrote on Facebook.
The sanctions come amid Beijing's continued efforts to persuade Taiwan's remaining diplomatic partners to switch recognition to China.
Nauru became the latest country to cut diplomatic ties with Taipei in 2024, following Honduras, which ended its decades-long relationship with Taiwan in 2023.
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