China sanctions Paraguay and Belize ministers over Taiwan

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 06:30 · Archive

China has sanctioned ministers from Paraguay and Belize over their countries' diplomatic ties to Taiwan.

China has sanctioned Paraguay's Communications Minister Gustavo Villate and Belize's Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca over their countries' diplomatic ties to Taiwan. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the measures on Monday, citing the safeguarding of China's national sovereignty and opposition to Taiwan separatist activities. The sanctions include freezing the ministers' assets in China and denying them entry visas to Hong Kong and Macau. Chinese organisations and individuals are also prohibited from engaging in transactions, cooperation or other activities with the two ministers.

Paraguay and Belize are among 12 countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. China views Taiwan as its own territory, a position the island's government rejects. Beijing said the ministers had 'taken a series of egregious actions and statements' damaging China's core interests, and accused 'certain anti-China politicians' of being 'driven by self-interest' in maintaining ties with Taiwan.

The sanctions come two days after Taiwan's National Day celebration. Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te said the island 'cherishes peace' and will 'not give up our freedom'. China's Taiwan Affairs Office condemned his speech, saying it 'disregards facts, distorts the truth, misleads the public, and reveals ulterior motives'. The Japan Times notes the sanctions are largely symbolic, as ministers from Taiwan's diplomatic allies generally do not travel to China.

How it is being reported

• China sanctions Paraguay, Belize ministers over Taiwan tiesChinese Foreign Ministry cites national sovereignty and Taiwan separatist activities as reasons behind the measures.Al Jazeera · 12 Oct, 05:58
• China sanctions ministers from Paraguay and Belize over Taiwan tiesThe sanctions are largely symbolic given ministers from Taiwan's diplomatic allies generally never travel to China.The Japan Times · 12 Oct, 04:51

In this story: China · Paraguay · Belize · Taiwan · Gustavo Villate · Francis Fonseca · William Lai Ching-te

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem