BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- In response to the wrong moves of two officials from Paraguay and Belize on China-related issues, China announced countermeasures as an action of warning and deterrence in accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the People's Republic of China, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a daily press briefing on Monday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday put on its website the decision to take countermeasures against Paraguay's Minister of Information and Communication Technologies Gustavo Emigdio Villate Samaniego and Belize Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Francis Fonseca.
Noting that the Taiwan question is a major issue of principle bearing on China's sovereignty and national reunification, which is at the core of China's core interests, Mao pointed out that certain politicians in Paraguay and Belize willingly serve as chess pieces for Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities in their pursuit of independence by soliciting external support.
"Their visits to Taiwan and reception of 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces in their countries constitute severe interference in China's internal affairs. They also attacked and smeared China by spreading the 'Chinese cyberattack' disinformation, causing egregious impact in the world," Mao said.
Mao said that for diehard supporters of "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, China will take all necessary punitive measures to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"We urge the very few countries left which still have so-called 'diplomatic ties' with China's Taiwan region to avoid being repeatedly manipulated and used by separatist forces for 'Taiwan independence,'" Mao said, pointing out that betting on "Taiwan independence" has no future, and it will only cost them opportunities for development and lead to international isolation. ■
