Taiwan ‘preparing for the worst’ as China begins live-fire drills

Beijing has imposed sanctions on the foreign minister of Belize and the communications minister of Paraguay due to their countries' diplomatic relations with Taiwan. These two nations are among only 12 countries that maintain formal ties with Taiwan, a self-ruled entity that China claims as its own territory. Taiwan vehemently rejects China's claim, insisting it is an independent state.

The sanctions are largely symbolic, as Taiwanese diplomats generally refrain from visiting mainland China. Historically, such sanctions have primarily targeted Western politicians who have supported Taiwan's democratic governance. Neither the Paraguay Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies nor the Belize Foreign Ministry commented on the matter outside of regular working hours.

China's foreign ministry justified the measures by citing Taiwan's actions as a threat to national sovereignty and security. They accused certain Belize and Paraguay politicians of being "anti-China" for maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The sanctions encompass denying entry visas to Hong Kong and Macau, as well as prohibiting Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions, cooperation, or other activities with the sanctioned individuals.

In a bid to pressure Taiwan's remaining diplomatic allies, China has intensified its efforts to sever ties with them. Earlier this year, Nauru became the latest country to end its ties with Taipei in 2024, while Honduras terminated its decades-long relationship with Taiwan in the previous year.