China sanctions Paraguayan and Belizean ministers over their countries’ diplomatic ties with Taiwan

BEIJING, CHINA:China has imposed sanctions on ministers from Paraguay and Belize over their countries’ diplomatic relations with Taiwan, in a move that underscores Beijing’s efforts to limit the self-governing island’s international recognition.

The measures target Paraguay’s Communications and Technology Minister Gustavo Villate and Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca.

According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the penalties include freezing their assets in China, prohibiting organisations and individuals in the country from conducting business with them, and denying them visas and entry.

The restrictions took effect on 12 October 2026 and also cover Hong Kong and Macau, according to the ministry’s announcement.

The announcement came two days after Taiwan celebrated its National Day, an annual event marking the establishment of the Republic of China government in 1912.

China’s stated reasons for the sanctions

China’s foreign ministry accused individual Paraguayan politicians of persistently supporting diplomatic relations with Taiwan for their own political interests.

In its statement, the ministry said these politicians had engaged in what it described as “a series of egregious words and actions” on issues concerning China, damaging Beijing’s core interests.

The ministry said the measures were intended to defend China’s sovereignty, security and development interests and oppose what Beijing calls Taiwanese separatism.

China cited provisions of its Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law as the legal basis for the restrictions.

Beijing regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control.

Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s territorial claim and maintains that the island governs itself.

Paraguay reaffirms its relationship with Taiwan

Villate publicly reaffirmed Paraguay’s relationship with Taiwan in a social media post marking the island’s National Day.

“Paraguay reaffirms its relationship of friendship and cooperation, based on shared values and principles: the self-determination of peoples, human rights and democracy,” he wrote.

Paraguay is the only country in South America that maintains formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

It is also the only member of the Southern Common Market, known as Mercosur, that does not have diplomatic relations with mainland China.

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña visited Taiwan earlier in 2026, describing the island as a “fundamental partner” for his country.

During the visit, the two sides signed several agreements covering mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, cybersecurity cooperation, artificial intelligence and computing investment.

Taiwanese officials have also sought to strengthen economic cooperation with Paraguay.

In March, Taiwan established a trade and economic office intended to develop commercial opportunities, including links between African fruit exports and Paraguay’s meat industry.

Trade ties with China despite diplomatic differences

Although Paraguay and China do not maintain formal diplomatic relations, their commercial relationship remains significant.

According to figures cited in Chinese-language reporting, bilateral trade totalled US$3.201 billion in 2025.

Chinese exports to Paraguay accounted for US$3.152 billion of that total.

China has become one of Paraguay’s major sources of imported goods and has repeatedly urged the South American country to recognise the “one China” principle and sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Chinese-language reporting has also cited domestic support in Paraguay for establishing formal relations with Beijing.

Several opinion polls reportedly found that nearly 90 per cent of respondents considered diplomatic relations with China important, while Paraguayan legislators have publicly called for discussions on the issue.

These reported views coexist with the Paraguayan government’s continued support for Taiwan.

A report by The New York Times said Beijing had increased pressure on Paraguay to end its diplomatic relationship with the island.

Taiwan has rejected the prospect of losing its South American ally and has continued promoting cooperation in trade and other sectors.

Belize maintains longstanding ties with Taiwan

Belize has maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan since 1989, following the end of its diplomatic relationship with mainland China.

The sanctions against Fonseca come amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Belize and Taiwan.

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung visited Belize in September 2026, and Taiwan’s foreign ministry said the two sides had agreed to deepen their relationship.

Belize and Paraguay are among 12 countries worldwide that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Taiwan’s other diplomatic partners in the Americas include Guatemala and Haiti, alongside several Caribbean island states.

Taiwan marks National Day amid continuing tensions

Taiwan’s National Day celebrations on 10 October provided a backdrop to the latest measures.

In a speech outside the Presidential Office in Taipei, President William Lai Ching-te said Taiwan “cherishes peace” and would “not give up our freedom”.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office condemned Lai’s remarks, accusing him of disregarding facts, distorting the truth and misleading the public.

Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated Beijing’s position in January 2026, saying the “reunification” of China and Taiwan was “unstoppable”.

The United States does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but is legally committed to providing the island with the means to defend itself.

On 2 October 2026, the United States delivered two F-16V fighter jets to Taiwan as the island continued efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities.