China has imposed sanctions on Paraguay’s Communications Minister Gustavo Villate and Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca due to their ties with Taiwan. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the sanctions on October 12, 2026, citing the need to safeguard national sovereignty and oppose Taiwan separatist activities. The sanctions, effective immediately, include freezing the ministers' assets in China and denying them entry visas to Hong Kong and Macau. Additionally, Chinese organizations and individuals are prohibited from engaging in transactions or cooperation with the sanctioned ministers.
The Foreign Ministry criticized 'certain anti-China politicians' for encouraging their nations to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Beijing accused the ministers of taking actions and making statements detrimental to China’s core interests. Paraguay and Belize are among the 12 countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.
The sanctions were announced shortly after Taiwan’s National Day, during which Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te emphasized the island's commitment to peace and freedom. In response, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office condemned Lai’s speech, accusing him of distorting the truth and revealing ulterior motives.
In January, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed his commitment to achieving the 'reunification' of China and Taiwan. Minister Villate marked Taiwan’s National Day with a social media post reaffirming Paraguay’s friendship and cooperation with Taiwan, while the Belize embassy in Taiwan celebrated the anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung visited Belize last month, where both sides agreed to deepen ties. Taiwan also maintains diplomatic relations with Guatemala, Haiti, and three Caribbean islands. Although the United States does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it is legally obligated to provide the island with defense support, including recent deliveries of fighter jets.