Paraguay Expels Chinese Envoy Amid Rising Tensions Over Taiwan Relations
Paraguay expelled Chinese envoy Xu Wei for urging the nation to break ties with Taiwan. The government deemed his actions as interference in domestic affairs, and he was given 24 hours to leave. Paraguay, which recognizes Taiwan, remains resistant to increasing Chinese pressure, contrary to several countries in Latin America that have shifted allegiances to Beijing.
On Thursday, the government of Paraguay expelled a Chinese diplomat, Xu Wei, for allegedly interfering in its domestic affairs. The Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized him as a persona non grata, granting him just 24 hours to depart the country. This diplomatic incident arose after Xu attempted to persuade Paraguayan lawmakers to sever ties with Taiwan, which has maintained a long-standing relationship with Paraguay since 1957. Paraguay remains one of the few countries globally that recognizes Taiwan amidst increasing Chinese pressure.
During his visit, Xu attended a session at the Paraguayan Congress where he highlighted China’s willingness to establish diplomatic relations, presenting it as a choice between China and Taiwan. He suggested that Paraguay could enjoy numerous economic benefits by aligning with China rather than maintaining its longstanding friendship with Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory.
This diplomatic tension highlights Paraguay’s commitment to Taiwan, especially as several Latin American nations have shifted allegiance to China in recent years, reflecting Beijing’s growing influence in the region, where its trade with South America surged to nearly $500 billion in 2023. The Taiwanese Embassy responded to these developments by calling Xu an ‘infiltrator’ attempting to disrupt the established bond between Paraguay and Taiwan.
The ongoing diplomatic tug-of-war between China and Taiwan has intensified in Latin America, where Taiwan’s remaining allies are under constant pressure to switch allegiance. Paraguay is one of only 12 countries, and the sole South American nation, that officially recognizes Taiwan. In contrast, China’s expanding economic influence has led several countries to cut ties with Taiwan, opting instead to engage diplomatically with Beijing under its one-China policy. The situation is particularly sensitive in Paraguay, as the relationship with Taiwan supports its agricultural sectors, including soybean and beef exports.
The expulsion of Chinese envoy Xu Wei underscores Paraguay’s firm commitment to maintaining its longstanding ties with Taiwan, despite mounting pressure from Beijing. This incident reflects broader geopolitical dynamics in Latin America, as Taiwan continues to navigate its precarious position amid China’s expanding influence. Paraguay’s decision to take a stand against interference in its domestic politics signifies its resolve to protect its diplomatic relationships.
Original Source: apnews.com
