Paraguay Reaffirms Diplomatic Ties With Taiwan Amid China Pressure

Santiago Peña has reaffirmed his country’s diplomatic and strategic ties with Taiwan, openly rejecting calls from Beijing to sever relations with the island. The statement came during a bilateral engagement with Taiwan’s leadership, highlighting Paraguay’s continued recognition of Taiwan despite mounting international pressure from China. The move underscores Paraguay’s position as one of the few remaining nations maintaining formal diplomatic ties with Taipei.

Paraguay remains the only country in South America and one of just a dozen globally that officially recognises Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory under the “One-China” principle. Over the years, Beijing has intensified diplomatic efforts to persuade countries to switch recognition from Taipei to Beijing, often combining economic incentives with geopolitical pressure. However, Paraguay has repeatedly signalled that it intends to maintain its longstanding partnership with Taiwan.

During a ceremonial military honours event, President Peña emphasised that the relationship between Paraguay and Taiwan is rooted in shared democratic values, including freedom and human rights. He said both sides are committed to strengthening their partnership and deepening bilateral cooperation. His remarks were delivered through an interpreter outside Taiwan’s presidential office, where he reiterated Paraguay’s commitment to supporting Taiwan’s international participation.

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Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te welcomed Paraguay’s continued support, expressing gratitude for its stance in global forums. He said the friendship between the two sides is expected to strengthen further through ongoing diplomatic exchanges and high-level visits. The two leaders also oversaw the signing of multiple agreements, including a memorandum of understanding on artificial intelligence infrastructure cooperation, signalling an expansion of economic and technological collaboration.

The diplomatic exchange came shortly after China’s foreign ministry urged Paraguay to reconsider its ties with Taiwan, reiterating that most countries in the world adhere to the One-China policy. Beijing has consistently argued that Taiwan should not be treated as a separate sovereign entity and has increased diplomatic pressure on countries maintaining official relations with Taipei. Chinese officials also reiterated that their partnerships in Latin America are not directed against third parties.

In parallel, regional dynamics continue to shift as countries reassess their diplomatic alignments. Honduras, for instance, switched recognition from Taiwan to China in 2023, while other Latin American nations have followed similar paths in recent years. Against this backdrop, Paraguay’s firm stance highlights a rare continuity in Taiwan’s diplomatic relationships. The latest reaffirmation signals that, despite global pressure and changing geopolitical currents, Paraguay intends to preserve its strategic partnership with Taiwan.

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