Paraguay Expels Chinese Envoy for Pressuring Nation to Sever Ties with Taiwan

Tags: Paraguay, China, Taiwan, Diplomatic Relations, Latin America

Chinese Diplomat Expelled for Interfering in Domestic Affairs

Paraguay has expelled Chinese diplomat Xu Wei, giving him 24 hours to leave the country after he allegedly meddled in Paraguay’s domestic matters. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Xu, a senior Chinese envoy to Latin America, was declared persona non grata for his interference in Paraguay’s internal affairs.

Diplomatic Tensions Sparked by Controversial Remarks

Xu had attended a UNESCO meeting in Paraguay, but instead of participating in the session, he visited Paraguay’s Congress in Asunción. During his visit, Xu urged lawmakers to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing considers part of its territory. He stressed that it was “either China or Taiwan” and suggested that Paraguay should “make the correct decision as soon as possible.”

This public push to sever ties with Taiwan, which Paraguay has recognized as a sovereign nation for decades, has escalated tensions. Paraguay is one of the last 12 countries globally, and the only one in South America, to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Taiwan’s Continued Support Despite Chinese Pressure

The Paraguayan government has remained firm in its commitment to Taiwan, despite increasing pressure from Beijing to isolate the island. In recent years, several Latin American nations have switched their diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China.

Xu’s comments also included promises of expanded trade with China, hoping to persuade Paraguay to align itself with Beijing. Some Paraguayan lawmakers have voiced support for a shift in allegiance, citing economic opportunities, including increased trade in agriculture and livestock products.

Taiwan Responds Strongly to Chinese Diplomatic Maneuver

The Taiwanese Embassy in Paraguay quickly condemned Xu’s actions, calling him an “infiltrator” attempting to undermine the longstanding friendship between Paraguay and Taiwan. This diplomatic spat highlights the ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan as Beijing seeks to isolate the island on the international stage.