October 12th, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning presided over a regular press conference.
A journalist asked that on October 12, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website announced a decision to take countermeasures against Paraguayan Communications and Technology Minister Villate and Belize Foreign Minister Fongseka. The spokesperson was asked to provide further information on this matter.
Mao Ning said that the Taiwan issue is a major principle issue related to China's sovereignty and national unity, and it is at the core of China's core interests.
Mao Ning pointed out that some politicians in Paraguay and Belize have willingly served as pawns for the Taiwan authorities in their efforts to seek independence. They have visited Taiwan and received separatist elements from Taiwan, seriously interfering in China's internal affairs. They have spread false information about cyberattacks against China and have engaged in smear campaigns against China, causing negative international impacts. In response to these actions, the Chinese side has issued a decree by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the "People's Republic of China Foreign Sanctions Law," announcing countermeasures to punish such individuals, as a warning to others.
A reporter asked whether China's announcement of sanctions against officials from Paraguay and Belize is the first time China has taken such measures against officials from countries that maintain "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan.
Mao Ning stated that regarding those who stubbornly support the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, China will take all necessary disciplinary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also advise the remaining so-called "diplomatic partners" of Taiwan not to be repeatedly manipulated and utilized by the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. Linking oneself with the "Taiwan independence" forces means having no future; it will only lead to missing out on development opportunities and isolation from the international community.
