From Daily Maverick · Reuters · · 1m 10s
China sanctions Paraguay and Belize ministers over Taiwan
China punishes two countries' foreign affairs officials for maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan, calling them pawns of separatism.
In brief
China punishes two countries' foreign affairs officials for maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan, calling them pawns of separatism. China sanctioned Paraguay's communications minister and Belize's foreign minister for their countries' diplomatic relations with Taiwan, accusing them of interference and smearing…
China targets two ministers
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China on Monday placed sanctions on Paraguay's communications minister and Belize's foreign minister over their countries' ties with Taiwan.
Taiwan's rare allies
Paraguay and Belize are two of just twelve countries to maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. China says Taiwan is one of its provinces.
Sanctions called pawns
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the politicians were willing to serve as pawns for Taiwan and have seriously interfered in China's internal affairs.
“willing to serve as pawns”
What the sanctions include
The measures bar entry visas to Hong Kong and Macau and prohibit Chinese organisations and individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperation with the sanctioned officials.
China's pressure campaign
China has stepped up pressure on Taiwan's remaining diplomatic allies to sever ties with Taipei. Nauru ended relations in twenty twenty-four and Honduras in twenty twenty-three.
The essence
China sanctioned Paraguay's communications minister and Belize's foreign minister for their countries' diplomatic relations with Taiwan, accusing them of interference and smearing Beijing.
