China sanctions Paraguay, Belize ministers over Taiwan ties

China has sanctioned Paraguay’s communications minister and Belize’s foreign minister over ties to Taiwan. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the announcement on Monday, citing the safeguarding of China’s national sovereignty and opposition to Taiwan separatist activities as the reasons behind the measures, which went into effect the same day. The measures against Paraguay’s Communications Minister Gustavo Villate and Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca include the freezing of their assets in China and the denial of entry visas to Hong Kong and Macau. The sanctions also prohibit Chinese organisations and individuals from engaging in transactions, cooperation or other activities with the ministers.