Expulsion of the Chinese Diplomat
In a bold move, government of Paraguay has expelled a Chinese diplomat, accusing him of interfering in the country’s internal affairs. The diplomat, Xu Wei, was a senior Chinese envoy to Latin America and had been in Paraguay for an annual meeting organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). On Thursday, Paraguay’s foreign ministry issued a brief statement announcing that it had revoked Xu’s visa and declared him persona non grata, meaning he was no longer welcome in the country.
Xu was given just 24 hours to leave Paraguay. The decision came after an incident the day before when Xu skipped the UNESCO session and visited the Paraguayan congress in the capital city, Asunción. There, he stirred up controversy by urging Paraguay to sever its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its own. This statement from the Chinese diplomat was seen as an attempt to pressure Paraguay into changing its longstanding policy toward Taiwan, which has been a point of tension between China and several countries worldwide.
Firm Stance of Paraguay on Taiwan
Paraguay is one of the few countries in the world that recognizes Taiwan as a sovereign nation. It is the only country in South America that maintains this recognition. Despite growing pressure from China, which insists on the “One China” policy – a stance that requires countries to choose between having diplomatic relations with China or Taiwan – Paraguay has firmly stood by its decision to support Taiwan. This stance has remained consistent for years, even as other countries have switched their allegiances.
In recent years, several countries in Latin America have severed their diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favor of Beijing. These countries include Honduras, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador. The loss of Taiwan’s allies in the region has intensified Beijing’s efforts to convince other nations to abandon their recognition of Taiwan. However, Paraguay has remained resilient in its commitment to Taiwan despite the growing influence of China in the region.
China’s Efforts to Woo Paraguay
During his visit to the Paraguayan congress, Xu Wei made it clear that China was eager to establish relations with Paraguay. He emphasized the potential benefits of trade with China, suggesting that Paraguay could enjoy “thousands of other advantages” if it chose to break ties with Taiwan. Xu even stressed that it was up to the Paraguayan government to make the first move in establishing diplomatic relations with China.
Xu’s comments were seen as part of a larger strategy by China to expand its influence in Latin America. The country has significantly increased its trade with the region, reaching nearly $500 billion in 2023. China has also become an important economic partner for several countries in South America, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and infrastructure. Paraguay, known for its production of soybeans and beef, could potentially benefit from stronger trade relations with China, as some lawmakers in Paraguay have suggested.
However, there are also concerns in Paraguay about the impact of severing ties with Taiwan. Some members of the Paraguayan congress have raised the issue of how this change in foreign policy could affect local industries, such as the country’s farmers who rely on exports to Taiwan. Despite these concerns, Paraguay has maintained its relationship with Taiwan, and the expulsion of Xu Wei shows the country’s determination to protect its sovereignty and resist external pressure.
Paraguay’s Stand on Taiwan
In response to Xu’s visit, the Taiwanese embassy in Paraguay strongly criticized his actions. On the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the embassy referred to Xu as an “infiltrator” who was attempting to undermine the close ties between Paraguay and Taiwan, which have existed since 1957. Taiwan’s diplomatic missions often face pressure from China, and this incident highlights the ongoing tension between the two sides over the issue of Taiwan’s international recognition.
Paraguay’s decision to expel Xu Wei is a significant event in the context of ongoing diplomatic struggles related to Taiwan’s status in the world. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balancing act that many countries face as they navigate the influence of both China and Taiwan. The expulsion also reflects Paraguay’s commitment to maintaining its relationship with Taiwan, even in the face of growing pressure from China.
As Paraguay and Taiwan continue to stand together on the international stage, the situation also highlights the broader geopolitical tensions in Latin America and around the world. The dispute over Taiwan’s recognition remains a key issue in international relations, with countries constantly forced to choose between China and Taiwan, often sacrificing their own diplomatic and economic interests.
