Paraguay expels Chinese envoy after call to abandon Taiwan

On December 5, 2024, Paraguay expelled Xu Wei, a Chinese diplomat, due to allegations of interfering in the nation's internal affairs. The Paraguayan Foreign Ministry stated that Xu, who was in the country for a UNESCO meeting, was declared persona non grata after meeting with lawmakers and urging them to cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favor of Beijing. This incident reflects Paraguay's commitment to maintaining its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, which is shared by only 11 other nations globally. Despite pressures from China to sever ties with Taiwan, which Paraguay has had since 1957, the government's firm stance highlights the ongoing geopolitical struggle between China and Taiwan in garnering diplomatic recognition. The expulsion came after Xu's controversial statements asserting that Paraguay had to choose between China and Taiwan, stating, 'It is either China or Taiwan' during his meetings in Asunción. He suggested that severing ties with Taiwan could lead to economic benefits for Paraguay, alluding to the success that neighboring countries have had exporting goods to China. The allegations of Xu's meddling in Paraguay’s political affairs prompted strong condemnation from Taiwan, which characterized his actions as infiltration with the intent to undermine the established relationship with Paraguay. Throughout recent years, many nations around the world, particularly in Latin America, have shifted their allegiances from Taiwan to China, influenced by economic incentives from Chinese investments and trade partnerships. China’s one-China policy obligates nations to choose between diplomatic relationships with either Beijing or Taipei, leading to a substantial reduction in Taiwan’s formal diplomatic allies. The expulsion of Xu Wei signals Paraguay’s determination to uphold its alliance with Taiwan despite growing pressures from China and repeated calls for diplomatic reconsideration from its lawmakers. In light of these tensions, Taiwanese officials continue to advocate for their relationship with Paraguay, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their status as one of the few nations that recognize Taiwan. The ongoing diplomatic rivalry between China and Taiwan is a reflection of broader global trends, where economic power often influences political allegiances, and it raises questions about the impact of international relations on smaller nations like Paraguay which are caught in the middle of larger geopolitical conflicts.