China sanctions ministers of friendly countries that support China; US State Department criticizes Beijing for coercion and aggression

In response to China's sanctions on Paraguay's Minister of Information and Communications Technology Byard and Belize's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Fonseca, a diplomatic ally of Taiwan, the U.S. State Department issued a statement on the 12th stating that the Trump administration opposes China's "coercive and aggressive actions" against countries that exercise sovereign rights. "We stand with our allies and partners, including Taiwan."

The sanctions announced by China include freezing the movable, real estate and other properties of the two people in China, prohibiting organizations and individuals in China from trading or cooperating with the two people, and banning the two people from entering China, including Hong Kong and Macau.

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The United States emphasizes that it stands with Taiwan’s allies

State Department spokesman Piggott said in a statement, "The Trump administration opposes China's coercive and aggressive actions against countries in the Western Hemisphere because they exercise their sovereign rights." He quoted Secretary of State Rubio's previous remarks, stressing that the United States "will not allow our region to become a base of operations for adversaries, competitors, and hostile countries that threaten our security or undermine our partnerships."

"We stand with our allies and partners, including Taiwan, to advance our shared prosperity, security and values," Piggott said.

The foreign ministries of Paraguay and Belize unanimously rejected China's sanctions on the 12th. Paraguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it "once again reiterates its firm support for Taiwan" and that China's sanctions are creating unnecessary friction with Paraguay. Belize's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Belize is a sovereign and independent country, and its diplomatic relations with Taiwan are a country's sovereign decision. China's unilateral measures against Fonseca are "without justification." "These measures will not change Belize's foreign policy, nor will they deter the government from fulfilling its responsibilities." The government continues to fully support Fonseca.

Paraguayan minister: China sanctions are a medal

In response to media inquiries, Fonseca pointed out that "Bellis is proud to stand with Taiwan and support the principle of self-determination and the principles of international law." BYAD issued a statement comparing China's sanctions to a "medal of honor." "Our decisions are not affected by any external sanctions." "We will work with Taiwan to accelerate every cooperation plan."

In response to the U.S. State Department's statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning called on the United States on the 13th to "handle the Taiwan issue with caution and stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence and separatist forces."