China sanctions Belize FM, Paraguay minister over Taiwan stance

Beijing imposed sanctions on Belizean Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca and Paraguayan Communications Minister Gustavo Villate, citing their political and diplomatic actions—likely related to Taiwan recognition. This marks a rare direct sanctioning of Caribbean and Latin American officials, escalating China's coercive diplomacy in the region. The move signals Beijing's willingness to target individual officials, not just states, over Taiwan-related disputes.