Paraguayan Congressman Hugo Meza has called for a national debate on recognizing mainland China and severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan, arguing that his country was “wasting time” with the island Beijing holds for a rogue province.
1 commentParaguayan President Santiago Peña on Monday announced that his Taiwanese colleague Lai Ching-te would visit the South American country next month. Paraguay is the only nation on the continent and one of only 12 countries globally that officially recognize Taiwan.
Foreign Ministers Rubén Ramírez Lezcano of Paraguay and Lin Chia-lung of Taiwan on Friday celebrated in Asunción 68 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations. The visiting mission includes a delegation of over 30 Taiwanese business leaders from strategic sectors such as semiconductors, information and communications technology (ICT), smart transportation, smart agriculture and livestock, construction and building, as well as high-tech smart textiles.
Paraguay's Foreign Ministry and private sector associations regarding fuel bunkering operations at kilometer 171 of the Paraguay-Paraná waterway started a round of discussions Thursday in Asunción after Argentina's customs authority announced a potential suspension of these operations.
Taipei's Embassy in Asunción confirmed this week that Paraguay's pork exports to Taiwan grew by 108% last year, thus grabbing an 87% share of the South American country's shipments of the product, yielding revenues around US$ 29 million.
The Taiwanese jigger An Fong 168 grounded in shallow waters of Falkland Islands’ Stanley harbor, and with recovery delayed because of strong winds, was finally re-floated Thursday midday, 6 February, reported the Falklands Maritime Authority.
The Government of Paraguay insisted Friday that it would proceed to the expulsion of Chinese diplomat Xu Wei from the country should he fail to leave by Saturday after his visa was revoked. Migrations Director Jorge Kronawetter explained that after the measure Xu lost his right to enter or stay in the country and has 24 hours to leave.
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña left Tuesday for the United States to participate in a series of engagements regarding security and technology until May 17 when he will go to Taiwan. Peña took heavy criticism for bringing along his son Gonzalo Peña. The head of state said he would cover his son's expenses with his own money but is yet to show concrete evidence thereof.
Although Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino had the near-impossible task of putting her country on good terms with China despite President Javier Milei's disparaging campaign comments, some common ground was reached this week as the South American diplomat reaffirmed the one-China principle and Beijing backed Argentina's claim to the Falkland/Malvinas Islands.
Brazil's government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ratified the South American country's unequivocal adherence to the One China Principle regarding Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a rogue province. The message was conveyed Friday in Brasilia to Foreign Minister Wang Yi.