China on Monday imposed sanctions on Paraguay's communications minister and Belize's foreign minister over their countries' diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as part of its territory.
The sanctions against Paraguay's Gustavo Villate and Belize's Francis Fonseca aim to protect China's “national sovereignty, security, and development interests” and oppose what Beijing calls efforts to promote “Taiwan independence”, China's Foreign Ministry said on its website.
Paraguay and Belize are among the 12 countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. China considers the island part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring it under its control.
Beijing has increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, regularly sending warplanes and naval vessels near the island. It has also stepped up efforts to persuade Taiwan's diplomatic partners to switch allegiance to China.
Several countries, including Nauru, Honduras and Nicaragua, have shifted their diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in recent years.
Most of Taiwan's remaining diplomatic allies are smaller countries in Central America, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. The list also includes Eswatini in southern Africa and the Vatican City.
The sanctions against Villate and Fonseca are largely symbolic, as officials from countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan generally do not travel to China.
The measures include freezing any assets the two officials may hold in China, denying them visas and entry into the country, and prohibiting Chinese individuals and organisations from cooperating with them.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said in a speech marking Taiwan's National Day on Saturday that the island values peace but will not surrender its freedom.
He said Taiwan's increased defence spending was intended to deter a possible conflict with Beijing rather than provoke one.
China criticised Lai's speech, accusing him of ignoring facts and misleading the public.