China has imposed sanctions on Paraguay’s Minister of Communications, Gustavo Villate, and Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca, over their countries’ diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The Chinese Foreign Ministry justified the decision as a measure to protect national sovereignty and security. The move once again underscores the importance of the Taiwan issue in China’s foreign policy.
Paraguay and Belize are among the 12 countries that continue to maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The sanctions package includes freezing the ministers’ assets and property in China, banning them from obtaining visas and entering the country, and prohibiting Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in business relations or cooperation with them. However, the sanctions are largely symbolic, as ministers from countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan generally do not travel to China.
According to Reuters, Chinese authorities described the sanctioned officials as “pawns” and accused them of insulting Beijing. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated: “They have seriously interfered in China’s internal affairs, spread false information about Chinese cyberattacks, and attacked and smeared China, causing a bad international impact“
The sanctions were announced two days after Taiwan celebrated its National Day. Paraguay’s Minister of Communications, Gustavo Villate, responded to the occasion in a statement posted on social media, reaffirming his country’s friendly and cooperative relations with Taiwan. He said these ties were based on shared values and principles, including self-determination, human rights, and democracy.
Paraguayan President Santiago Pena has described Taiwan as a “fundamental partner” for the South American country. Earlier this year, he visited Taipei, where the two sides signed several agreements. These covered cooperation in mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and computing technologies.
Last month, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung, also visited Belize. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides agreed to deepen their bilateral relations.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and does not recognize it as an independent state. Beijing has stated that it does not rule out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control if necessary. Taiwan’s authorities, in turn, reject Beijing’s claims and maintain the island’s self-governance.
The sanctions provide another example of how China uses diplomatic and economic restrictions in response to issues related to Taiwan. Against this backdrop, Paraguay’s and Belize’s continued relations with Taiwan remain a source of diplomatic tension between Beijing and the two countries.
