China has imposed sanctions on Paraguay’s communications minister and Belize’s foreign minister, effective Monday, over their countries’ diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
China’s Foreign Ministry cited national sovereignty and security as the reasons for the measures, accusing some politicians in both countries of taking an “anti-China” stance by supporting continued diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Under the sanctions, the two officials will be barred from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. Chinese organisations and individuals will also be prohibited from engaging in transactions, cooperation or other activities with them, according to two notices issued by the ministry.
China regards democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory, a claim strongly rejected by the government in Taipei.
The sanctions underscore Beijing’s continued efforts to oppose international diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which maintains formal relations with a limited number of countries.
