The Government of Paraguay ordered the departure of a diplomat from the country chinese delegation who participated in meetings of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), considering that he incurred “interference in internal affairs.”
During the aforementioned congress, Xu Weiidentified as liaison with Latin America of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, held meetings with Paraguayan legislators Éver Villalba y Billy Vaeskenin which he insisted that Paraguay should choose to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing, under the condition of breaking ties with Taiwan. “It is with China or with Taiwan”declared Xu Wei, stressing that there is no possibility for both countries to simultaneously maintain relations with Paraguay.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay confirmed this Thursday on social networks the cancellation of Xu’s visa, who has been given a period of 24 hours to leave the South American country.
The Vice Minister of Administration and Technical Affairs of the Chancellery, Juan Baiardihe criticized in statements to the station ABC Carcinal that the Chinese envoy, instead of limiting himself to the purpose of his visit, “devoted himself to politics” and meddled in issues that did not concern him.
The Taiwanese Embassy in Asunción also “strongly” condemned the words of Xu, whom they consider an “infiltrator” of Beijing to try to “undermine the firm friendship” between Paraguay and Taiwan. In this sense, he insisted that Taiwan is “an independent and sovereign country” and that “the Chinese communist regime has not represented and will never represent Taiwan,” contrary to Beijing’s territorial criteria.
Paraguay is the only South American country that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a bond that has endured for more than six decades. However, China’s economic and political weight has increased pressures on the Santiago Peña government. The Paraguayan administration has expressed interest in exploring trade agreements with Beijing through Mercosur, although it has insisted that this will not imply a break in ties with Taiwan.
However, Xu Wei’s recent visit and his categorical message reflect China’s tough strategy to weaken diplomatic support for Taiwan, particularly in Latin America. Beijing views Taiwan as a rebellious province and has stepped up efforts to isolate it internationally, using economic and diplomatic incentives as tools of persuasion.
China’s growing influence in the region and its approaches to Paraguayan legislators also highlight the complexity of the link between the different governments. Legislators like Villalba and Vaesken have not made public comments about that meeting with Xu Wei, but the discussion about Paraguayan foreign policy is generating divisions in Congress. While some defend the permanence of ties with Taiwan, others consider it necessary to prioritize trade relations with China.
On November 29, during a visit to the island, The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay affirmed that his country is committed to its relationship with Taiwan and has no plans to break its diplomatic relationship in favor of China.
“Paraguay is open to establishing diplomatic, consular or commercial relations with China without conditions,” said the Paraguayan foreign minister. Rubén Darío Ramírez Lezcano. But “we do not accept any conditions to break our relations with Taiwan,” he warned. The minister met with the president of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, who welcomed him and said that his visit was a “demonstration of the firm friendship” that unites them.
(With information from Europa Press)
