Politics · Singapore Bureau
China imposes sanctions on Paraguay and Belize over Taiwan diplomatic ties
Beijing has sanctioned government officials from Paraguay and Belize, two of the dwindling number of nations maintaining formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The move reflects China's ongoing pressure campaign against countries recognising the self-ruled island.
LSN Singapore ·
China has announced sanctions targeting ministers from Paraguay and Belize in response to their countries' continued diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, intensifying Beijing's efforts to isolate the island internationally.
Paraguay and Belize rank among only 12 nations worldwide that maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taipei rather than Beijing. The sanctioned officials face restrictions on entering China and having their assets frozen in the country, according to Chinese authorities.
The move represents part of a broader Chinese strategy to whittle down Taiwan's diplomatic footprint globally. In recent years, Beijing has successfully convinced numerous countries to switch recognition from Taipei to Beijing, leaving Taiwan with a shrinking circle of formal allies.
Neither Paraguay nor Belize has publicly responded to the Chinese sanctions. The two countries have historically resisted diplomatic pressure from Beijing despite economic incentives offered by China to switch allegiance.
The sanctions underline the persistent tension in cross-strait relations and China's determination to prevent Taiwan from maintaining international legitimacy through formal state-to-state relationships.