China sanctions Paraguay, Belize ministers over Taiwan support

China imposed sanctions on Paraguay's Communications Minister Gustavo Villate and Belize's Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca on October 12 for supporting Taiwan. Measures include asset freezes and entry bans into mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Analysts warn the move raises personal political risks for foreign officials backing Taiwan, marking Beijing's first direct targeting of sitting cabinet members from Taiwan's allies.