China sanctions Paraguay, Belize ministers over Taiwan ties

China has sanctioned Paraguay’s Communications Minister Gustavo Villate and Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca over their ties to Taiwan. The measures include freezing their assets in China, denying entry to Hong Kong and Macau, and prohibiting Chinese entities from engaging in transactions with them. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and accuses the ministers of actions damaging its core interests. The sanctions come two days after Taiwan’s National Day, during which President William Lai stated that the island values peace and will not give up its freedom.