(Deutsche Welle Chinese website) On Monday (October 12), the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced sanctions on two ministers from Paraguay and Belize (also known as Belize), a Central and South American country, in accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law on the grounds that they "stubbornly support" maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The two people sanctioned are Gustavo Villate, Paraguay’s Minister of Communications and Technology, and Francis Fonseca, Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. An announcement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs described them as "anti-China politicians," saying they supported maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan "out of selfish interests" and "adopted a series of bad words and deeds on China-related issues that harmed China's core interests."
Paraguay and Belize are both diplomatic allies of Taiwan. Taiwan currently has 12 diplomatic countries, most of which are located in Latin America and Oceania.
The countermeasures implemented by China include freezing assets, prohibiting organizations and individuals in China from cooperating with its transactions, not issuing visas, and not allowing entry. The above measures will take effect from October 12.
Reuters pointed out that the above-mentioned sanctions are largely symbolic in nature because officials from Taiwan's diplomatic allies usually do not visit China. China has previously imposed similar measures on European and American politicians friendly to Taiwan. For example, former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was sanctioned by China after her visit to Taiwan in 2022.
Belize's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Fonseca was only performing his legitimate duties and that China's sanctions were "baseless." The ministry stressed that these measures will not change Belize's foreign policy and that Belize remains fully committed to maintaining its relationship with Taiwan.
On Tuesday (13th), Taiwan Executive President Zhuo Yongtai criticized China's "repeated display of hegemonic mentality and practices to the outside world, which has aroused common resentment around the world" and said that China has no right to interfere in the internal affairs and diplomacy of any sovereign country, including Taiwan, the Republic of China.
U.S. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott also issued a statement saying that the Trump administration opposes China's coercion and aggressive actions against other countries' exercise of their sovereign rights.
Piggott also mentioned the previous remarks of US Secretary of State Rubio, emphasizing that the United States "will never allow this region to become a base of operations for hostile forces, competitors, and adversaries to threaten our security or undermine our partnerships." He also said that the United States stands together with Taiwan and other allies to "promote our common prosperity, security, and values."
Two days before China announced sanctions on Billiat and Fonseca, Taiwan had just celebrated its National Day. Billiat posted a message on the social platform, reiterating that the friendship and cooperative relations between Paraguay and Taiwan are based on the same values and principles, namely "people's self-determination, human rights and democracy." Billiat led a delegation to visit Taiwan in March 2024; in June this year, he received Chen Ming-chi, the visiting Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan, in Paraguay.
On the morning of the 12th, not long before China announced the sanctions, the Belize Embassy in Taiwan published a Facebook post to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belize and Taiwan. "The relationship between the two parties is based on mutual respect, mutual trust and close cooperation... We look forward to working together to create prosperity and growth, more opportunities, and everlasting friendship." Previously in September this year, Fonseca met with Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Jialong in Belize.
On the National Day, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te once again emphasized in a speech that Taiwan will continue to strengthen its national defense capabilities in the face of threats from China. "It is not for provocation, but to deter war; we strengthen self-defense not to give up on dialogue, but to ensure that dialogue can be conducted on the basis of reciprocity and dignity." In this regard, Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Chen Xi criticized Lai Qingde for "exaggerating the so-called mainland military threat" and said that the People's Liberation Army's regular military exercises around Taiwan are to "deter "Taiwan independence" rash actions" and "it is natural and justified."
On the other hand, maritime units in many places in China issued navigation warnings on the occasion of Taiwan’s Double Ten Day. From the 12th to the 17th, various military drills such as live-fire shooting were held in at least five sea areas including the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, East China Sea and South China Sea. Taiwan’s Defense Minister Gu Lixiong stated on the 12th that he has fully grasped the situation and will continue to pay close attention.
