# 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.
- Title: China sanctions Paraguay and Belize ministers over Taiwan
- Summary: China punishes two countries' foreign affairs officials for maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan, calling them pawns of separatism. China sanctioned…
- Keywords: china, taiwan, paraguay, belize, sanctions, diplomacy, news, politics, ministers, Daily Maverick
- Source: Daily Maverick — https://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-10-12-china-sanctions-pawn-paraguay-belize-ministers-over-taiwan-ties
- Author: Reuters
- Published: 2026-10-12T12:17:46+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: china, taiwan, paraguay, belize, sanctions, diplomacy, news, politics
## China targets two ministers
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.
## Key takeaway

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.