Beijing imposes sanctions on two ministers from Paraguay and Belize over ties to Taiwan

China announced on Monday that it had imposed sanctions on Paraguay’s communications minister Gustavo Villate and Belize’s foreign minister Francis Fonseca, according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The foreign ministry said the measures include freezing the two ministers’ property and assets within Chinese territory, refusing to grant them entry visas, and preventing Chinese organizations and bodies from conducting any dealings or official relations with them.

The announcement came two days after Taiwan celebrated its National Day.

Gustavo Villate wrote on social media that “Paraguay again reaffirms its relationship based on friendship and cooperation, and on shared values and principles represented by the right of peoples to self-determination, human rights, and democracy.”

Earlier this year Paraguay’s president Santiago Peña visited Taipei, and during the visit described Taiwan as “a key partner” for his country. He also signed agreements that included mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, cooperation on cybersecurity, and investment in areas of artificial intelligence and computing.

Taiwanese foreign minister Lin Chia-lung also visited Belize last month, and Taiwan’s foreign ministry said the two sides agreed to deepen ties between the countries.

Paraguay and Belize are among a small number of countries in the Americas that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan, alongside Guatemala, Haiti and some Caribbean island states.