China has imposed sanctions on the foreign ministers of Belize and Paraguay over their countries’ continued diplomatic relations with Taiwan and what China sees as their support of the island’s independence.

China’s Foreign Ministry said the measures against Belize’s Francis Fonseca and Paraguay’s Gustavo Villate were intended to safeguard China’s “national sovereignty, security, and development interests” and oppose what it described as separatist acts seeking “Taiwan independence”.

Belize and Paraguay are among the 12 countries that continue to maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory.

Several countries, including Nauru, Honduras and Nicaragua, have switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in recent years.

The sanctions come amid increasing vbetween Beijing and Taipei over Taiwan’s sovereignty and security.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te marked the island’s National Day on October 10 by reaffirming its commitment to preserving its freedom.

He also defended Taiwan’s increased military spending, saying it was intended to deter conflict with China rather than provoke it.

“We are strengthening our self-defence not to abandon dialogue, but to ensure that dialogue can take place on the basis of parity and dignity,” Lai said.

At a Foreign Ministry media briefing on October 12, spokesperson Mao Ning said Taiwan remained central to China’s sovereignty and national reunification objectives.

“It is at the core of China’s core interests. Certain politicians in Paraguay and Belize willingly serve as chess pieces for the DPP authorities in their pursuit of independence by soliciting external support,” Mao said, referring to Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

Mao accused the two ministers of interfering in China’s internal affairs through visits to Taiwan and by receiving what Beijing describes as “Taiwan independence” separatist forces in their countries.

She also accused them of attacking China and spreading what she called disinformation about Chinese cyberattacks.

Mao said Beijing would take “all necessary punitive measures to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

She also urged the 12 countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan not to allow themselves to be manipulated by Taiwanese officials.

“Betting on ‘Taiwan independence’ has no future. It will only cost them opportunities for development and lead to international isolation,” Mao said.