Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Ruben Dario Ramirez Lezcano affirmed the country’s commitment to Taiwan during his visit, stating that there are no plans to sever ties in favor of China. Despite Paraguay’s extensive trade relationship with China, they remain dedicated to supporting Taiwan. The minister’s visit included talks on investment opportunities and signing a visa-free agreement, highlighting the enduring friendship between Paraguay and Taiwan.
TAIPEI – Paraguay’s commitment to Taiwan remains steadfast, as emphasized by Foreign Minister Ruben Dario Ramirez Lezcano during his recent visit to the island. Paraguay is one of Taiwan’s 12 remaining diplomatic allies globally and the sole supporter in South America. Despite Paraguay having extensive trade relations with China, worth approximately $5 billion, Ramirez Lezcano stated unequivocally that there are no plans to sever ties with Taiwan to favor China. He articulated that Paraguay is open to establishing economic relations with China without any conditions but firmly stated, “we don’t accept any condition to break our relations with Taiwan.”
China’s influence in South America has grown significantly, with trade reaching nearly $500 billion as of 2023, as detailed by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. Ramirez Lezcano clarified that Paraguay’s relationship with Taiwan is not influenced or dictated by the United States, reinforcing their commitment to Taiwan’s sovereignty. During his visit, he engaged in discussions with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, who welcomed him warmly, describing the visit as a sign of enduring friendship between the two nations.
The minister’s objectives included signing a reciprocal visa-free agreement between their citizens and exploring investment opportunities, particularly in the agricultural sector – focusing on beef, soybeans, and corn. President Santiago Peña has consistently pledged allegiance to Taiwan, countering the trend of declining diplomatic support faced by Taiwan, especially following Honduras’s recent decision to cut ties last year. Furthermore, Ramirez Lezcano expressed eagerness to collaborate with U.S. Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio to deepen bilateral relations, following a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump and his team.
The diplomatic landscape surrounding Taiwan has become increasingly challenging due to China’s expansive influence and aggressive poaching strategies of its allies. Historically, Taiwan has maintained a unique political status since its division from China after a civil war, operating as a self-governing entity despite China’s insistence that it is part of its territory. As nations around the world reevaluate their diplomatic relationships with Taiwan, Paraguay remains one of the few countries committed to sustaining its allyship, even amidst significant economic engagement with China. This underscores the complexities nations face between maintaining long-standing alliances and navigating emerging economic partnerships.
In conclusion, Paraguay’s unwavering support for Taiwan exemplifies the complexities of international relations amid China’s growing presence in South America. Foreign Minister Ruben Dario Ramirez Lezcano’s commitment to maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan, irrespective of potential trade benefits from engaging with China, highlights an important stand in the geopolitical arena. Paraguay’s proactive efforts to strengthen ties with Taiwan and diversify its agricultural market access reaffirm its partnership amidst shifting global dynamics.
Original Source: www.local10.com
