Paraguay has expelled Chinese diplomat Xu Wei for allegedly attempting to sway lawmakers to cut ties with Taiwan in favor of China. Following Xu’s meetings with congressional members, the Paraguayan government deemed him persona non grata. China dismissed the allegations of interference, which highlights ongoing tensions regarding Taiwan’s diplomatic recognition in Latin America.
Paraguay has formally expelled Xu Wei, a senior Chinese diplomat, following accusations of his interference in the nation’s internal affairs and attempts to weaken its diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Xu, who was attending a UNESCO event in Asuncion, reportedly met with Paraguayan lawmakers, urging them to cut ties with Taiwan in favor of recognizing mainland China, which he claimed would yield significant benefits for Paraguay. In response to these actions, the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry declared Xu persona non grata, allowing him only 24 hours to depart from the nation. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian, however, denied any allegations of interference, dismissing them as “unreasonable and groundless.” This incident underscores China’s ongoing efforts to diplomatically isolate Taiwan, having previously convinced other Latin American countries to shift their alliances toward Beijing.
The diplomatic relationship between Paraguay and Taiwan has historically been a point of contention, as Paraguay is one of the few countries that still recognizes Taiwan as a sovereign state amid China’s rising influence in Latin America. In recent years, China has increased its diplomatic pressure, successfully persuading several nations in the region to establish ties with Beijing by leveraging economic incentives such as trade partnerships and investment opportunities. The expulsion of Xu Wei highlights the tension in Paraguay’s international alignments and its commitment to maintaining relations with Taiwan despite external pressures.
In conclusion, Paraguay’s expulsion of Chinese diplomat Xu Wei sheds light on the complexities of its diplomatic stance towards Taiwan amid China’s strategic maneuvers to gain influence in Latin America. This event not only reflects Paraguay’s commitment to its existing partnerships but also signals potential challenges that countries face when navigating relationships influenced by larger geopolitical forces.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
