ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay — On Thursday, Paraguay expelled a Chinese diplomat accused of meddling in its internal matters and attempting to persuade the nation to sever longstanding relations with Taiwan. The envoy, Xu Wei, was instructed to leave the country within 24 hours.
Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a brief statement indicating that Xu, a senior Chinese diplomat involved in Latin American affairs, had his visa revoked due to his “interference in internal affairs.” At the time, he was in Paraguay for an annual meeting associated with UNESCO.
The previous day, Xu chose to forgo the UNESCO session and instead attended a congressional meeting in the capital city, Asunción. His presence created a diplomatic uproar as he urged Paraguay to abandon Taiwan, an autonomous democratic island with a population of 23 million, which China views as a part of its territory.
Among the countries in South America, Paraguay stands out as the only nation that recognizes Taiwan as a sovereign state, making it one of just 12 countries globally that maintain such recognition. Despite increased pressure from Beijing, Paraguay’s government remains committed to its position regarding Taiwan.
In recent years, several Latin American nations, including Honduras, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador, have shifted their diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China, forced by China’s strict one-China policy, which requires nations to choose between being allied with China or Taiwan.
During his address at the Congress building in Asunción, which was funded by Taiwan, Xu emphasized China’s desire for diplomatic ties with Paraguay while suggesting that the decision now lies with Paraguayan officials. He warned, “It is either China or Taiwan. I recommend that the government of Paraguay make a correct decision as soon as possible.”
In his speech to lawmakers, Xu highlighted the potential economic benefits of enhanced trade with China, among other advantages. Some members of the Paraguayan Congress have pointed to the difficulties faced by farmers in exporting soybeans and beef to China, arguing that a shift in diplomatic relations could prove beneficial in the future.
Trade between China and South America has surged in recent years, with figures approaching $500 billion by 2023, as reported by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Taiwan’s embassy in Paraguay criticized China on social media, branding Xu an “infiltrator” intent on undermining the strong ties between Paraguay and Taiwan, a relationship that has persisted since 1957.
