Beijing said on Monday it had imposed sanctions on ministers from Paraguay and Belize in response to what it described as official links with Taiwan and activities it characterized as supporting Taiwanese separatism.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry framed the move as a defence of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, reiterating Beijing's longstanding position that Taiwan is part of China and that official contacts between foreign governments and Taipei are unacceptable.
China did not provide a detailed public list of the sanctions or immediately specify their scope. The announcement follows a pattern of Beijing using diplomatic and economic pressure against states and individuals it says cross its red lines on Taiwan.
Paraguay is among the small number of countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan; the announcement is likely to further strain ties between Beijing and the two Latin American governments. Analysts say such measures can complicate trade and diplomatic engagement, though the immediate practical effects depend on the nature and enforcement of the sanctions.
The development adds to persistent tensions over Taiwan's international space, where Beijing has sought to limit Taipei's official exchanges and recognition globally. Governments that maintain or pursue ties with Taiwan often face diplomatic pushback from China, which regards such ties as an interference in its internal affairs.
Further details and responses from the governments of Paraguay and Belize were not included in Beijing's statement and had not been released publicly at the time of the announcement.