China’s Expanding Influence in Latin America: Paraguay Draws the Line

Paraguay’s decision to expel Xu Wei, a senior Chinese diplomat, marks a sharp diplomatic stand amid growing tensions between Beijing and Taipei over international recognition. Xu’s controversial appeal for Paraguay to sever ties with Taiwan—during his visit for a UNESCO meeting—has escalated the ongoing battle for allegiance between China and Taiwan on the global stage.

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Key Events and Context

1. The Diplomatic Incident

   • Xu Wei urged Paraguayan lawmakers to abandon Taiwan in favor of China during a visit to Paraguay’s Congress in Asunción, skipping UNESCO proceedings.
   • Citing China’s “One-China Principle,” Xu framed this as a binary choice, offering expanded trade and other benefits as incentives.

2. Paraguay’s Response

   • Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared Xu persona non grata, citing his interference in internal affairs, and gave him 24 hours to leave.
   • The Taiwanese Embassy criticized Xu, describing him as an “infiltrator” aiming to undermine the 67-year-long friendship between Paraguay and Taiwan.

3. Taiwan and Paraguay’s Longstanding Alliance

   • Paraguay is Taiwan’s sole South American ally and one of just 12 nations globally recognizing Taiwan as a sovereign country.
   • Taiwan’s contributions to Paraguay include funding infrastructure projects like the futuristic Congress building in Asunción.

4. Beijing’s Growing Influence

   • Four Latin American nations—Honduras, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador—have recently switched allegiance from Taiwan to China, incentivized by Beijing’s economic and trade promises.
   • China’s trade with South America has surged, reaching nearly $500 billion in 2023.

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Implications of Paraguay’s Stand

1. Diplomatic and Trade Pressures

   • Some Paraguayan lawmakers argue for aligning with China to unlock access to lucrative markets, particularly for soybeans and beef.
   • Maintaining ties with Taiwan may limit trade opportunities with Beijing but underscores Paraguay’s support for democratic values and sovereignty.

2. Regional Dynamics

   • Paraguay’s firm stance contrasts with regional trends as several Latin American nations have opted for Beijing, reflecting the growing clout of China in the hemisphere.
   • The expulsion sends a signal about Paraguay’s commitment to sovereignty and non-interference, despite economic temptations.

3. China-Taiwan Rivalry

   • Taiwan gains a diplomatic win as Paraguay remains steadfast, but China’s efforts to isolate Taiwan globally are unlikely to subside.
   • The incident underscores the intensity of Beijing’s diplomatic strategies to win over Taiwan’s remaining allies.

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Broader Perspective

Paraguay’s move to expel Xu Wei demonstrates the intricate balancing act smaller nations face between aligning with democratic values and navigating the allure of economic partnerships with China. For Taiwan, Paraguay’s steadfastness is a rare but crucial affirmation of its diplomatic foothold in a region where Beijing’s influence is expanding rapidly.

As China continues its global outreach and Taiwan fights to maintain its alliances, incidents like this highlight the growing significance of diplomacy in shaping the future of international relations.

Source:

• Paraguay expells Chinese envoy after he urges country to cut ties with Taiwan