Paraguay commits to Taiwan, rejects pressure from China

Paraguay has reinforced its commitment to Taiwan amidst growing pressure from China to sever diplomatic ties. On Friday, November 29, 2024, Paraguay's foreign minister, Ruben Dario Ramirez Lezcano, emphasized that his country will not break off its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, despite having a substantial trade partnership with China worth approximately $5 billion. The minister's comments came during his visit to Taiwan, where he praised the strong friendship between the two nations. His trip included meetings with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who welcomed Ramirez Lezcano’s visit as a demonstration of the unwavering collaboration between Paraguay and Taiwan. Ramirez Lezcano declared that Paraguay would consider establishing new diplomatic, consular, or commercial relations with China, without preconditions. However, he notably asserted that Paraguay would not sever its existing ties with Taiwan at the behest of China, which requires its diplomatic allies to recognize its claim over Taiwan. This position reflects a continuous trend where Taiwan's number of diplomatic allies has diminished as China actively tries to poach them. Taiwan remains self-ruled since its split from China following a civil war, and its status as a separate entity is not acknowledged by the People’s Republic of China. The foreign minister's visit also aimed to discuss investments and market access for Paraguay's agricultural products, including beef, soybeans, and corn. This move signifies Paraguay's intention to diversify its trade relationships and leverage its unique position as one of Taiwan's few remaining allies on the global stage. Furthermore, President Santiago Peña's administration has reiterated its commitment to Taiwan, fostering closer relations at a time when many nations are shifting allegiances towards Beijing. The political landscape in Latin America shows an increasing dependency on China, with the Asian nation emerging as a significant economic partner. However, Paraguay's leadership remains steadfast, indicating that their diplomatic choices are not influenced by pressure from the United States, although they aim to enhance cooperation with US political figures. This unwavering position signifies a critical decision point for Paraguay in navigating the complexities of international relations between China and Taiwan in the 21st century.